Natural resource amenity and life expectancy

Better natural resource amenities increase life expectancy. That makes it a issue worthwhile of public health investment. Do not believe me? Well, here is a paper arguing just that (at least based on county level data in (I assume) the US):

Evaluating natural resource amenities in a human life expectancy production function

This study examined the effect of natural resource amenities on human life expectancy. Extending the existing model of the life expectancy production function, and correcting for spatial dependence, we evaluated the determinants of life expectancy using county level data. Results indicate that after controlling for socio-demographic and economic factors, medical facilities and risk factors, counties with natural amenities such as high proportion of land in forests, farmland, rangeland and water bodies, as well as mild climate such as longer sunlight hours during winter and cooler year around temperature exhibited longer life expectancies at birth. In addition, counties containing state parks and outdoor recreation facilities, and those located near federal wilderness parks were associated with the longer expectancies at birth. Findings from this study have several implications for natural resource economics and management, public health, and human development. An important message of our findings is that the traditional approach of public health should be extended beyond just controlling diseases or treating patients to a more comprehensive approach that also acknowledges the preservation and utilization of natural resources, environmental amenities, and outdoor recreation opportunities in maintaining public health, quality of life, and overall human development.

Keywords: Life expectancy; Natural resource amenities; Spatial error model; Production function; Public health

 

Air pollution down, life expectancy up

A study in the New England Journal of Medicine again raises the importance of dealing with air pollution for its health impacts. 

The study argued that for an approximate period of 1980 - 2000 average increase in life expectancy in certain selected counties in the US was 2.72 years. Using regression modelling techniques, it is argued that reduced air pollution (defined as fine particulate matter PM2.5) is one factor contributing to increased life expectancies.  It is estimated that the individual effects of reductions in air pollution account for as much as 15% of the overall increase.