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The environment–economic growth trade-off: does support for environmental protection depend on its economic consequences?

Author

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  • McNeil, Andrew
  • Barnes, Lucy

Abstract

Belief in a trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection is an important feature of the politics of environmental policy. Yet the prevalence and consequences – for policy positions – of this belief are only indirectly examined in dominant treatments of public attitudes. We investigate belief in the existence of the trade-off directly. Those who believe more strongly in the trade-off express more moderate policy views. However, increasing belief in the existence of the trade-off via experimental manipulation yields null effects on policy positions. Appealing to the trade-off to justify prioritising growth may not provide a logical defense in the eyes of the public.

Suggested Citation

  • McNeil, Andrew & Barnes, Lucy, 2025. "The environment–economic growth trade-off: does support for environmental protection depend on its economic consequences?," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:230:y:2025:i:c:s0921800925000059
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108522
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