Does anti-corruption contribute to improving environmental pollution in China?

We examine the effects of anti-corruption efforts on local environmental pollution in China. Using data for China from 2003 to 2017, we find that anti-corruption efforts contribute to reduce local environmental pollution. Second, we show the two possible channels through which the anti-corruption efforts reduce local environmental pollution: political connection effects and deterrent effects. Finally, our results show that the effects of anti-corruption efforts on local environmental pollution are stronger in cities located south of the ‘Qin ling Mountains-Huai he River’, in cities with stronger government and public concern for the environment. Our main results pass a series of robustness tests. Overall, we offer novel evidence that anti-corruption efforts contribute to improving environmental quality.