The Impact of PM2.5 Exposure on Long-term Unemployment and Employment Rates: An Analysis of Environmental and Labor Market Challenges in Bulgaria and European Union

Blaga Madzhurova (bmadzhurova@uni-plovdiv.bg), Dobrinka Stoyanova (d.stoyanova@uni-plovdiv.bg) and Stefan Raychev (raychev.stefan@uni-plovdiv.bg)
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Blaga Madzhurova: Department of Economic Science, University of Plovdiv Paisii Hilendarski
Dobrinka Stoyanova: Department of Economic Science, University of Plovdiv Paisii Hilendarski
Stefan Raychev: Department of Economic Science, University of Plovdiv Paisii Hilendarski

No 14516475, Proceedings of Economics and Finance Conferences from International Institute of Social and Economic Sciences

Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between environmental health impacts, particularly premature deaths due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure, and labour market outcomes across European Union (EU) member states from 2012 to 2021, with a special focus on Bulgaria. Utilizing a mixed-method approach that combines graphical analysis and PanelOLS regression modelling, the research examines how air pollution influences long-term unemployment and employment rates within the EU. The findings reveal a statistically significant negative correlation between PM2.5-related premature deaths and employment rates, suggesting that poor air quality contributes to lower labour market performance. Bulgaria exhibits a notable intersection of high long-term unemployment and environmental health challenges, highlighting the compounded effects of economic and environmental factors on labour market outcomes. This study underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into economic and labour market policies, especially for countries like Bulgaria that face significant challenges in both areas. By addressing these dual challenges, Bulgaria and other EU member states can enhance public health, improve labour market outcomes, and support a more sustainable and resilient economic future. The research contributes to the discourse on sustainable development, emphasizing the need for policies that simultaneously promote environmental health and economic productivity within the European Union.

Keywords: Green transition; Labour market; Unemployment; Growth; Environmental health; PM2.5 Exposure; Air Pollution; Long-term Unemployment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I15 J64 Q53 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 9 pages
Date: 2024-10
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-eec, nep-ene, nep-env and nep-tra
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Published in Proceedings of the Proceedings of the International Conference on Economics, Finance & Business, Prague, Oct 2024, pages 118-126

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sek:iefpro:14516475

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