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Do More Informed Citizens Make Better Climate Policy Decisions ?

Author

Listed:
  • Michael M. Lokshin
  • Hannon,Michael
  • Miguel Purroy
  • Ivan Torre

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between perceptions of catastrophic events and beliefs about climate change. Using data from the 2023 Life in Transition Survey, the study finds that contrary to conventional wisdom, more accurate knowledge about past catastrophes is associated with lower concern about climate change. The paper proposes that heightened threat sensitivity may underlie both the tendency to overestimate disaster impacts and increased concern about climate change. The findings challenge the assumption that a more informed citizenry necessarily leads to better climate policy decisions. Instead, they suggest that psychological factors, like anxiety and risk perception, play crucial roles in shaping climate attitudes. Illuminating these dynamics can help societies to foster a more nuanced and constructive public dialogue about the urgent challenges facing our planet and our species.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael M. Lokshin & Hannon,Michael & Miguel Purroy & Ivan Torre, 2024. "Do More Informed Citizens Make Better Climate Policy Decisions ?," Policy Research Working Paper Series 10921, The World Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:wbk:wbrwps:10921
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    File URL: https://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/099536309202434743/pdf/IDU-2056b71c-335d-4155-9e70-e2dae9c33fb9.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Hoyle, Aaron & Rhodes, Ekaterina, 2025. "Explaining public support for net-zero climate policy instruments: Perceptions of distributive fairness under competing frames," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).

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