The Review of Economics and Statistics 2026
Human Capital and Climate Change
Abstract
Addressing climate change requires individual behavior change and voter support for pro-climate policies, yet surprisingly little is known about how to achieve these outcomes. In this paper, we estimate causal effects of additional education on pro-climate outcomes using new compulsory schooling law data across 20 European countries. We analyze effects on pro-climate beliefs and behaviors, as well as novel data on policy preferences and voting for green parties. Results show that a year of education substantially increases pro-climate beliefs, behaviors, and policy preferences.
- DOI
- 10.1162/rest_a_01444
- Pages
- 1-8
- Language
- en
- Sources
- openalex crossref