Up in Smoke: The Influence of Household Behavior on the Long-Run Impact of Improved Cooking Stoves

Rema Hanna, Esther Duflo and Michael Greenstone

American Economic Journal: Economic Policy, 2016, vol. 8, issue 1, 80-114

Abstract: Laboratory studies suggest that improved cooking stoves can reduce indoor air pollution, improve health, and decrease greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. We provide evidence, from a large-scale randomized trial in India, on the benefits of a common, laboratory-validated stove with a four-year follow-up. While smoke inhalation initially falls, this effect disappears by year two. We find no changes across health outcomes or greenhouse gas emissions. Households used the stoves irregularly and inappropriately, failed to maintain them, and usage declined over time. This study underscores the need to test environmental technologies in real-world settings where behavior may undermine potential impacts. (JEL D12, O12, O13, Q53, Q54, Q55)

JEL-codes: D12 O12 O13 Q53 Q54 Q55 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
Note: DOI: 10.1257/pol.20140008
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (124)

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Related works:
Working Paper: Up in Smoke: The Influence of Household Behavior on the Long-Run Impact of Improved Cooking Stoves (2017)
Working Paper: Up in Smoke: The Influence of Household Behavior on the Long-Run Impact of Improved Cooking Stoves (2012)
Working Paper: Up in Smoke: The Influence of Household Behavior on the Long-Run Impact of Improved Cooking Stoves (2012)
Working Paper: Up in Smoke: The Influence of Household Behavior on the Long-Run Impact of Improved Cooking Stoves (2012)
Working Paper: Up in Smoke: The Influence of Household Behavior on the Long-Run Impact of Improved Cooking Stoves (2012)
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