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Climate Change and Political Participation: Evidence from India

Author

Listed:
  • Amrit Amirapu

    (University of Kent)

  • Irma Clots-Figueras

    (University of Kent/IZA)

  • Juan Pablo Rud

    (University of London/IZA/Institute of Fiscal Studies)

Abstract

We study the effects of temperature shocks on electoral outcomes in Indian elections. Taking advantage of localized, high-frequency data on temperatures, we find that exposure to extreme temperatures the year before an election increases voter turnout, changes the composition of the candidate pool, and leads to different electoral outcomes (e.g. winning candidates are more likely to have an agricultural background). The effects are driven by reductions in agricultural productivity and are strongest in rural areas. We also show that temperature shocks increase the value voters place on agricultural issues and on policies which mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures, such as irrigation.

Suggested Citation

  • Amrit Amirapu & Irma Clots-Figueras & Juan Pablo Rud, 2023. "Climate Change and Political Participation: Evidence from India," Working Papers 281, Red Nacional de Investigadores en Economía (RedNIE).
    • Handle: RePEc:aoz:wpaper:281
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    File URL: https://rednie.eco.unc.edu.ar/files/DT/281.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • 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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