Effects of the terms and characteristics of cadres on environmental pollution: Evidence from 230 cities in China

This study investigates the effects of cadres' terms and characteristics on environmental pollution by collecting data of 230 prefecture-level cities in 2002–2014. Results show that (1) the cadres' term shows an “inverted U” effect on environmental pollution, or it shows “first deterioration and later improvement” effect on environment. (2) Highly educated cadres are aware of the importance of environmental protection for sustainable economic development and have negative effects on environmental pollution; also, the aged cadres are less likely to be promoted and thus help to environmental protection. (3) The party congress will cause the cadres to focus on economic growth, thus ignoring environmental protection. (4) The effects of cadres on environmental pollution vary across different regions; the effects in central and western China are more serious than that in eastern China. It enriches the evidence on the relationship between governance and environmental pollution, which is significant to the government's formulation and implementation of policies related to environment protection. •Effects of cadres' terms and characteristics on pollution is investigated.•The cadres' term shows an “inverted U” effect on environmental pollution.•Old and highly educated cadres help improve local environmental.•Cadres in the eastern region are less likely to intervene in the environment.•Environmental management indicator must be included in the cadre assessment system.