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Human Capital and Climate Change

Author

Listed:
  • Angrist,Noam
  • Winseck,Kevin
  • Patrinos,Harry Anthony
  • Zivin,Joshua S. Graff

Abstract

Addressing climate change requires individual behavior change and voter support for pro-climatepolicies, yet surprisingly little is known about how to achieve these outcomes. This paper estimates causal effectsof additional education on pro-climate outcomes using new compulsory schooling law data across 16 European countries.It analyzes effects on pro-climate beliefs, behaviors, policy preferences, and novel data on voting for greenparties—a particularly consequential outcome to combat climate change. Results show a year of education increasespro-climate beliefs, behaviors, most policy preferences, and green voting, with voting gains equivalent to a substantial35% increase.

Suggested Citation

  • Angrist,Noam & Winseck,Kevin & Patrinos,Harry Anthony & Zivin,Joshua S. Graff, 2023. "Human Capital and Climate Change," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10316, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10316
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    1. Burlinson, Andrew & Davillas, Apostolos & Giulietti, Monica, 2025. "Socioeconomic inequality in low-carbon technology adoption," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 143(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I28 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Government Policy
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development
    • Q5 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics

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