Journal Article - Environmental Politics
Fossil Fuel Divestment and Public Climate Change Policy Preferences: An Experimental Test in Three Countries
Abstract
Divestment is a prominent strategy championed by activists to induce positive social change. For example, the current fossil fuel divestment movement includes over 1,500 institutions that control $40 trillion in assets. A primary pathway through which divestment is theorized to be effective is by influencing public beliefs and policy preferences, thus pressuring policymakers to take action. However, prior research only tests this argument via qualitative case studies. We assess the impact of exposure to information about fossil fuel divestment on public opinion through the use of national survey experiments in three major greenhouse gas emitters: the U.S., India, and South Africa. We find surprisingly little evidence that exposure to information about the fossil fuel divestment movement can increase public support for policies that address climate change. Our findings suggest that divestment movements may be less effective at changing beliefs and policy preferences than previously realized.
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The full text of this publication is available via Environmental Politics.
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For Academic Citation:
Schwartz, Joshua A, Paul Lendway and Abolfazl Nuri. "Fossil Fuel Divestment and Public Climate Change Policy Preferences: An Experimental Test in Three Countries." Environmental Politics, (2023).
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Abstract
Divestment is a prominent strategy championed by activists to induce positive social change. For example, the current fossil fuel divestment movement includes over 1,500 institutions that control $40 trillion in assets. A primary pathway through which divestment is theorized to be effective is by influencing public beliefs and policy preferences, thus pressuring policymakers to take action. However, prior research only tests this argument via qualitative case studies. We assess the impact of exposure to information about fossil fuel divestment on public opinion through the use of national survey experiments in three major greenhouse gas emitters: the U.S., India, and South Africa. We find surprisingly little evidence that exposure to information about the fossil fuel divestment movement can increase public support for policies that address climate change. Our findings suggest that divestment movements may be less effective at changing beliefs and policy preferences than previously realized.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via Environmental Politics.Schwartz, Joshua A, Paul Lendway and Abolfazl Nuri. "Fossil Fuel Divestment and Public Climate Change Policy Preferences: An Experimental Test in Three Countries." Environmental Politics, (2023).
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Recommended
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Do Armed Drones Counter Terrorism, Or Are They Counterproductive? Evidence from Eighteen Countries
Analysis & Opinions - The Washington Post
Americans Agree with Their State and Local Officials on Climate Action
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Report - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs and UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Arctic Climate Science: A Way Forward for Cooperation through the Arctic Council and Beyond
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The Relationship Between Science and Technology
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Gorbachev and the End of the Cold War