Unpacking the International Political Economy of Climate Change

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

Climate change is marked by important economic relationships alongside environmental ones. As governments attempt to decarbonize, they must consider both environmental benefits and economic impacts on industries. In this context, it is important to understand how climate and economic policy are interrelated. Can economic tools promote decarbonization? Do economic ties constrain climate policy? How does climate policy impact domestic political economy? The papers in this panel consider these questions from domestic and international perspectives. Conevska evaluates the effect of trade shocks on local pollution, arguing that economic dislocations can increase pollution levels. Zucker analyzes how individuals perceive the climate risks to different industries, with particular attention to industries’ racial characteristics. Brandi and her co-authors investigate whether trade provisions in environmental agreements can generate incentives to join environmental treaties. Rowan examines whether existing international economic relationships constrain governments in setting climate mitigation targets. Together, these papers help us understand the opportunities and constraints in the international political economy of climate change.

Sub Unit

• Division 16: International Political Economy

Individual Presentations

• Polluting Politicians? Import Shocks and Environmental Outcomes - Aleksandra Conevska, Harvard University; Sean Nossek, Yale University

• Identity and the Structure of Climate Risk Preferences - Noah Zucker, Princeton University

• Trade Provisions in MEAs: A Carrot to Join the Club? - Clara Brandi, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS); Noémie Laurens; Jean-Frederic Morin, Laval University; Jakob Schwab

• Conditional and Unconditional Climate Policy - Sam Rowan, Concordia University

Chair

• Jean-Frederic Morin Laval University

Discussants

• Jean-Frederic Morin Laval University

• Federica Genovese University of Essex