| By: |
Jan Goebel;
Christian Krekel;
Tim Tiefenbach;
Nicolas R. Ziebarth |
| Abstract: |
We study the impact of the Fukushima disaster on people’s mental well·being in
another industrialized country, more than 5000 miles distant. The meltdown
significantly increased environmental concerns by 20% among the German
population. Subsequent drastic policy action permanently shut down the oldest
nuclear reactors, implemented the phase·out of the remaining ones, and
proclaimed the transition to renewables. This energy policy turnaround is
largely supported by the population and equalized the increase in mental
distress. We estimate that during the 3 months after the meltdown, Fukushima
triggered external monetized health costs worth €250 per distressed
citizen—particularly among risk averse women. |
| Keywords: |
Fukushima, meltdown, nuclear phase·out, mental health, environmental worries, SOEP |
| JEL: |
I18 I31 Z13 Q54 |
| Date: |
2013 |
| URL: |
http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:diw:diwsop:diw_sp599&r=hap |