Are environmental movements effective? For the first time, academia has used quantitative methods to measure the effectiveness of environmental political movements, comparing carbon emissions and the level of environmentalism in various U.S. states since 1990.
A new study published by the National Academy of Sciences indicates that the environmental movement is having a visible effect in the United States, as carbon emissions are indeed lower in states with stronger environmental advocacy than in states with weaker advocacy.
High environmental awareness leads to relatively lower carbon emissions.
The study reveals that in more environmentally friendly states like New York and Vermont, greenhouse gas emissions have decreased simultaneously despite increases in population and wealth; however, in states like Texas and Wyoming, where climate change skepticism is stronger, greenhouse gas emissions are showing an increasing trend.
The level of environmentalism is assessed using state legislators' environmental voting records, published by the League of Conservation Voters. Past research has shown that voting records are a good indicator of voter intentions.
Each state's environmental vote score ranges from 0 to 100, with some states scoring near perfect marks and others close to zero. Vermont had the highest environmental vote score and the second-lowest carbon emissions, second only to Rhode Island.
The three states with the lowest environmental vote scores are Texas, Wyoming, and Louisiana, which also have the highest carbon emissions. Closely related states can vary significantly; for example, North Dakota has a much lower environmental vote score and much higher carbon emissions than South Dakota.
Environmental awareness means that economic growth can also be low-carbon.
The study’s lead author, Professor Thomas Dietz of Michigan State University, pointed out that since 1990, economic and population growth has mostly been accompanied by increased carbon emissions, but if environmentalism increases, carbon emissions can decrease instead of increase.
Dietz also stated that solutions to environmental problems do not arise automatically from economic growth; they require a strong environmental movement to drive them forward. "From households to businesses, governments, and environmental groups, an environmental movement is essential; environmental protection action will not happen on its own."
"If environmentalism can grow along with the economy and population, it can offset the negative effects of increased carbon emissions," Dietz said.
The study did not explore the mechanisms by which environmental movements reduce carbon emissions. However, Dietz believes that environmental movements reduce carbon emissions because of the combination of environmental policy formulation, implementation, and household and business actions. The statistical correlation between environmental voting records and carbon reduction achievements is quite strong.
The next step of the research will explore whether environmentalism improves people’s lives and well-being, and whether there are other measurable indicators of environmentalism.
This research finding may also be applied to businesses. If employees within a company have a high level of environmental awareness, the implementation of corporate environmental policies and programs may be much more successful than in companies with a low level of environmental awareness.
Sources: Environmental Information Center (2015-06-19)
