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Regional aspects of climate change beliefs in the U.S

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  • Lahiri, Radhika
  • Samaratunga, Chamupathy
  • Silvennoinen, Annastiina

Abstract

We examine U.S. climate change beliefs and their covariates from a regional perspective. We consider six dimensions of these beliefs, measured using survey data on awareness and risk-consciousness regarding global warming and its impact. Using a multi-level mixed-effects regression methodology, we consider the impact of labour market conditions, political affiliations and ideology, and extreme weather conditions on these beliefs, and whether administrative and legislative control of a region by the Republican or Democratic parties influences beliefs. We find that political affiliation and ideology matter more relative to other socioeconomic and demographic variables: Democratic affiliation and liberal views are positively associated with belief in climate change, while Republican affiliation and conservative views show a negative association. At the regional level, we find that while exposure to extreme weather-related events is related to greater belief in climate change and increased personal risk, there is a stronger relation to the beliefs of the political parties that have administrative and legislative ruling power in the region, but not necessarily in consensus-building form. Specifically, a higher percentage of states under Republican control in a region is associated with greater belief in climate change among Democrats, but not among Republicans. Adverse labour market conditions have a strong negative relation to beliefs and can also negatively affect beliefs of Democrats. These results imply that building consensus for sustainable climate mitigation policies may be difficult, and rests critically on favourable economic conditions and effective communication relating to potential economic benefits of such policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Lahiri, Radhika & Samaratunga, Chamupathy & Silvennoinen, Annastiina, 2026. "Regional aspects of climate change beliefs in the U.S," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 241(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:241:y:2026:i:c:s0921800925003581
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2025.108875
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • Q54 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Climate; Natural Disasters and their Management; Global Warming

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