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On Individualism and Environmental Quality

Author

Listed:
  • Alberto Chong

    (Georgia State University and Universidad del Pacifico)

  • Marco Chong

    (Cornell University)

Abstract

We examine whether a society's orientation toward individualism causally influences per capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. We conceptualize the link through a collective action framework: because atmospheric quality is a global public good, its provision requires coordinated restraint, and cultural individualism, which places primacy on personal autonomy over group norms, is predicted to erode precisely the internalization of collective costs that pro-environmental behavior demands. We show that a one-point increase in Hofstede's individualism index is associated with an increase of approximately 0.04 metric tons of CO2 per capita. Endogeneity is addressed using blood-type genetic distance and confirm our results.

Suggested Citation

  • Alberto Chong & Marco Chong, 2026. "On Individualism and Environmental Quality," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper2620, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
    • Handle: RePEc:ays:ispwps:paper2620
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    File URL: http://ayspsrd.gsu.edu/ays/ispwps/paper2620.pdf
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