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Environmental regulation, taxes, and activism

Author

Listed:
  • Morakinyo O Adetutu
  • Kayode A Odusanya
  • Eleni Stathopoulou
  • Thomas G Weyman-Jones
Abstract
Social activism is a burgeoning human response to pressing problems around the world, and nowhere is this response more apparent than in the ongoing global push back against environmental externalities. In this article, we explore—for the first time—whether there are degrees of activism that relate to degrees of regulatory stringency. Using data on environmental conflicts resulting from fossil fuel production across 68 countries over the period 1995–2014, we find that, for a given tax rate, a move from a lax to more stringent regime lowers the rate of environmental conflicts. These findings underscore the contingent role of policy stringency as a trigger for intense social movements.

Suggested Citation

  • Morakinyo O Adetutu & Kayode A Odusanya & Eleni Stathopoulou & Thomas G Weyman-Jones, 2023. "Environmental regulation, taxes, and activism," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 75(2), pages 460-489.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:75:y:2023:i:2:p:460-489.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpac023
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    Cited by:

    1. Adetutu, Morakinyo O. & Rasciute, Simona, 2024. "Pollution, severe health conditions, and extreme right-wing ideology: A tale of three contemporary challenges," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 237(C).

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D74 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Conflict; Conflict Resolution; Alliances; Revolutions
    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • L71 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction - - - Mining, Extraction, and Refining: Hydrocarbon Fuels
    • L78 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Primary Products and Construction - - - Government Policy

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