International Cooperation and Greenhouse Gas Emissions: A Cross-National Analysis of OECD Nations

• In Event: Environmental Sociology Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 14: Energy, Communication, and Public Opinion

Abstract

Air pollution contributes to rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, ocean level rise, smog, acid rain, and adverse respiratory health outcomes, underscoring the central role of national policy in mitigating environmental degradation. Since the 1970s, nation-states have increasingly assumed responsibility for environmental protection through regulatory legislation, market-based instruments, public administration, redistribution, and knowledge production, giving rise to the “environmental state.” However, debate persists regarding the environmental state’s capacity to meaningfully reduce emissions, particularly given structural tensions between economic growth and ecological sustainability. This study contributes to the environmental state literature by examining whether international cooperation is associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions. Using longitudinal regression models, I analyze panel data from 38 OECD countries between 1990 and 2020. Preliminary findings indicate that greater international cooperation is significantly associated with lower greenhouse gas emissions. These results suggest that multilateral engagement and climate governance mechanisms can effectively contribute to emissions reduction.

Author

• Marion C. Harper, Stony Brook University