Econ Papers Daily / 期刊论文
宗教节日期间的空气污染：来自清明节的证据
Air Pollution during Religious Holidays: Evidence from Tomb-Sweeping Day
摘要
Religious holidays are associated with changes to usual routines and special religious practices that can worsen air pollution. Using the Hakka Tomb Sweeping Day in Taiwan as an illustration, we find that religious activities lower overall air quality by 10.8% and increase levels of specific pollutants by 9.8% - 18.6%. In contrast to previous studies suggesting elevated air pollution is due to the burning of incense, joss paper and fireworks, we identify greater motor vehicle use and a decrease in travel speed as primary mechanisms. Changes in traffic also lead to a 16% increase in injuries from motor vehicle accidents. In Hakka areas serviced by rail lines we find no increase in air pollution or injuries during Tomb Sweeping Day, highlighting the benefits of public transportation to accommodate holiday travel.
中文摘要
宗教节日往往伴随着日常作息的变化及特定的宗教习俗，这些因素可能加剧空气污染。以台湾地区的客家清明节为例，我们发现宗教活动使整体空气质量下降10.8%，特定污染物浓度上升9.8%至18.6%。与先前研究将空气污染加剧归因于焚烧香烛、纸钱及燃放鞭炮不同，我们识别出机动车使用增加及行驶速度降低为主要机制。交通变化还导致机动车事故伤害增加16%。在设有铁路线路的客家地区，清明节期间未观察到空气污染或伤害事件的增加，这凸显了公共交通在应对节日出行需求方面的益处。