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Intergenerational Spillovers of Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors

Author

Listed:
  • Shubhro Bhattacharya
  • Sara M. Constantino
  • Nirajana Mishra
  • Nishith Prakash
  • Shwetlena Sabarwal
  • Dighbijoy Samaddar
  • Raisa Sherif

Abstract

This paper evaluates whether environmental education can shift household behavior through intergenerational transmission of knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes. We implement an activity-based program in Patna, India, and conduct a randomized experiment with 1,545 child–parent pairs assigned to child-only, parent-only, joint, or control groups. Direct participation increases pro-environmental behaviors. Spillovers occur but are asymmetric: while children and parents influence each other’s behaviors, only children significantly shift parents’ climate beliefs and attitudes. Joint participation yields no additional gains beyond individual participation, suggesting that targeting children alone may be a scalable and cost-effective strategy for promoting sustainable household practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Shubhro Bhattacharya & Sara M. Constantino & Nirajana Mishra & Nishith Prakash & Shwetlena Sabarwal & Dighbijoy Samaddar & Raisa Sherif, 2026. "Intergenerational Spillovers of Environmental Attitudes and Behaviors," CESifo Working Paper Series 12499, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_12499
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    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q53 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - Air Pollution; Water Pollution; Noise; Hazardous Waste; Solid Waste; Recycling
    • O10 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - General

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