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The impact of unemployment and economic risk perceptions on attitudes towards anthropogenic climate change

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  • Salil D. Benegal

    (DePauw University)

Abstract

This study uses public opinion data from 2006 to 2014 to examine the effect of unemployment and partisan identity on attitudes towards anthropogenic climate change. Results show that while Republican partisanship and conservative ideology are strongly associated with lower reported belief in anthropogenic climate change, these attitudes are also shaped by subjective perceptions of economic risk and increased local unemployment rates. I find that exposure to economic risk increases the likelihood of climate change denial among both Democrats and Republicans. These findings help explain trends in environmental public opinion over the past decade, in particular the increase in reported denial or skepticism about climate change after the 2008 economic recession.

Suggested Citation

  • Salil D. Benegal, 2018. "The impact of unemployment and economic risk perceptions on attitudes towards anthropogenic climate change," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 8(3), pages 300-311, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:8:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s13412-017-0452-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-017-0452-7
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    Cited by:

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    2. Gabriella De Sario & Giovanni Marin & Agnese Sacchi, 2023. "Citizens' attitudes towards climate mitigation policies: The role of occupational exposure in EU countries," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(2), pages 255-280, May.
    3. Gabriela Azócar & Marco Billi & Rubén Calvo & Nicolas Huneeus & Marta Lagos & Rodolfo Sapiains & Anahí Urquiza, 2021. "Climate change perception, vulnerability, and readiness: inter-country variability and emerging patterns in Latin America," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 11(1), pages 23-36, March.
    4. Johnston, David W. & Knott, Rachel & Mendolia, Silvia, 2022. "Climate Change Salience, Economic Insecurity, and Support for Mitigation Policies," IZA Discussion Papers 15562, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).

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