Working Paper: NBER ID: w26395
Authors: Matthew J. Neidell; Shinsuke Uchida; Marcella Veronesi
Abstract: This paper provides novel evidence of the unintended health effects stemming from the halt in nuclear power production after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. After the accident, nuclear power stations ceased operation and nuclear power was replaced by fossil fuels, causing an increase in electricity prices. We find that this increase led to a reduction in energy consumption, which caused an increase in mortality during very cold temperatures, given the protective role that climate control plays against the elements. Our results contribute to the debate surrounding the use of nuclear as a source of energy by documenting a yet unexplored health benefit from using nuclear power, and more broadly to regulatory policy approaches implemented during periods of scientific uncertainty about potential adverse effects.
Keywords: Nuclear Power; Fukushima; Electricity Prices; Mortality
JEL Codes: I12; K32; Q41
Edges that are evidenced by causal inference methods are in orange, and the rest are in light blue.
| Cause | Effect |
|---|---|
| cessation of nuclear power (L94) | increase in electricity prices (L97) |
| increase in electricity prices (L97) | reduction in energy consumption during extreme cold temperatures (Q41) |
| reduction in energy consumption during extreme cold temperatures (Q41) | increase in mortality (I12) |
| increase in electricity prices (L97) | increase in mortality (I12) |
| cessation of nuclear power (L94) | increase in mortality (I12) |