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Are liberal states greener? Political ideology and CO2 emissions in American states, 1980–2012

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  • Betul Gokkir
  • J. Samuel Barkin

    (University of Massachusetts Boston)

Abstract

Are liberal states in the USA greener? Based on an analysis of panel data from American states from 1980 to 2012, this paper investigates the particular impact of citizen ideology on per-capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. This study contributes to the existing literature through a focus on the role of citizen ideology as a frame shaping pro-environmental behavior at the individual level when the effect of structural factors, like per-capita economic output, fossil-fuel production, and population density, are controlled for. The findings suggest not only that states with more liberal citizen ideology emit less CO2, but also that this effect both precedes and exceeds the influence of policies directly targeting climate change. Finally, this paper suggests that a change in popular perception of the environment and climate change as an American matter, as opposed to an ideological alignment issue, can lead to further decreases in CO2 emissions due to changes in citizens’ preferences and behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Betul Gokkir & J. Samuel Barkin, 2019. "Are liberal states greener? Political ideology and CO2 emissions in American states, 1980–2012," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 9(4), pages 386-396, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:9:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1007_s13412-019-00563-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-019-00563-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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