Intersections of Environmental and Income Inequality

The basis of this project is to explore the interactions between income inequality and environmental inequality. In the United States, income inequality has been a hot button issue, sparking responses such as the Occupy... [ view full abstract ]

The basis of this project is to explore the interactions between income inequality and environmental inequality. In the United States, income inequality has been a hot button issue, sparking responses such as the Occupy movement and Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign. Income inequality however does not take into account other important factors that determine the true costs to individuals. This study will particularly focus on the costs that individuals pay due to exposure to environmental pollutants that cause increased rates of mortality. It has been shown that some heterogeneity in pollutant exposure is associated with changes to wages, however this study will determine the extent to which income has been correctly adjusted for damages from air pollution. These environmental costs however are heterogeneous across the United States, and therefore may be an equalizing cost that mostly the rich pay, or a cost that increases inequality by being paid mostly by the poor. Analysis will be conducted with varying scales of analysis, from the national to within a city and will include a racial analysis and an urban vs. rural analysis. Special thanks to Peter Matthews, my second reader.