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The Unequal Costs of Carbon Pricing: Economic and Political Effects Across European Regions

delete2026-05-01
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K
Konradt, Maximilian *
M
Mangiante, Giacomo
DOI:10.1093/ej/ueaf133delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
This paper examines the economic and political effects of carbon pricing across European regions. Our main finding is that a well-identified increase in carbon prices reduces emissions, but entails economic and political costs: higher carbon prices significantly reduce output and employment while increasing vote shares for extremist and populist parties, contributing to political fragmentation. Consistent with an economic voting channel, opinion surveys reveal a more pessimistic economic outlook and declining environmental concerns among respondents. Importantly, the economic and political costs are not borne equally: carbon-intensive regions experience a larger decline in output and see a stronger shift to extremist political parties. Our findings highlight the need for complementary policies to mitigate the unequal economic impacts of carbon pricing and the associated political backlash.
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Journal

Economic Journal cover
Economic Journal
IF:
3.6
Papers:
5.5K
Citations:
1.6W

Organization

E
European Central Bank
Scholars:
1.2K
Papers: 1.3K
Citations: 727
I
imperial college london
Scholars:
8.3K
Papers: 3.8K
Citations: 0
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