A Review of Human Development and Environmental Outcomes

As climate change and its impact on the physical environment become increasingly evident, itsrelationship with human development outcomes is becoming a key area of research. While numerous researchers havestudied the ways in which the immediate environment affects human capital, literature on the impact of human capital onthe environment remains scarce. Despite the heightened interest in understanding the linkages between humandevelopment outcomes and environmental factors, most studies of this relationship are theoretical, correlational, orobservational, thus lacking causality. This paper surveys the literature and explores how evidence can be establishedfor policies focusing on human development and environmental outcomes. The paper presents a conceptual frameworkincorporating direct and indirect pathways – including cognitive and noncognitive factors through which improvededucation can lead to better environmental behaviors. Of the 31 studies reviewed, a majority (27 studies) presentobservational findings, while only a few (four studies, or 13 percent) use a quasi-experimental design to establishcausality. The few causal studies suggest that it is possible to change attitudes but more difficult to changeenvironmental behaviors. The review raises the key question of whether policies aimed at improving climate changeawareness through education can effectively produce long-lasting changes in pro-environmental behaviors. Muchmore work is needed to advance understanding of how human capital policy can help mitigate or promote adaptation toclimate change.