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Exploring the multifaceted relationship between environmental attitudes and political voting

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  • D’Ecclesiis, Enrico A.R.
  • Levi, Eugenio
  • Patriarca, Fabrizio

Abstract

Understanding the intricate connection between various individual attitudes toward the environment and support for environmental political parties is essential. In this study, we use the 2016 climate change module from the European Social Survey, employing a wide range of individual features and a machine learning approach to explore this complex relationship. Our analysis reveals a decoupling between personal and political dimensions of pro-environmental attitudes. While pro-environmental sensitivity and climate change awareness primarily identify individuals engaged in ecologically-conscious personal behavior, they do not necessarily indicate support for eco-friendly policies. Furthermore, while sensitivity and engagement are associated with increased civic participation and less support for populist political parties, increased support for pro-environmental parties is primarily linked to policy support for eco-friendly initiatives. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies to garner support for environmental policies in both personal and political realms.

Suggested Citation

  • D’Ecclesiis, Enrico A.R. & Levi, Eugenio & Patriarca, Fabrizio, 2025. "Exploring the multifaceted relationship between environmental attitudes and political voting," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:230:y:2025:i:c:s0921800925000011
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108518
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Climate change; Policy preferences; Voting; Environmental attitudes; Machine learning;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • Q58 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Environmental Economics: Government Policy

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