Is inequality harmful for the environment in a growing economy?

Hubert Kempf () and Stéphane Rossignol

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Abstract: In this paper we investigate the relationship between inequality and the environment in a growing economy from a political economy perspective. We consider an endogenous growth economy, where growth generates pollution and a deterioration of the environment. Public expenditures may either be devoted to supporting growth or abating pollution. The decision over the public programs is done in a direct democracy, with simple majority rule. We prove that the median voter is decisive and show that inequality is harmful for the environment: the poorer the median voter relative to the average individual, the less she will tax and devote resources to the environment, preferring to support growth.

Keywords: political economy; environmental policy; growth; Inequality; inégalité; croissance; politique environnementale; économie politique (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2006-05
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00117046
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Published in 2006

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Related works:
Journal Article: IS INEQUALITY HARMFUL FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN A GROWING ECONOMY? (2007)
Working Paper: Is Inequality Harmful for the Environment in a Growing Economy? (2007)
Working Paper: Is Inequality Harmful for the Environment in a Growing Economy? (2007)
Working Paper: Is inequality harmful for the environment in a growing economy? (2006)
Working Paper: Is inequality harmful for the environment in a growing economy? (2006)
Working Paper: Is Inequality Harmful for the Environment in a Growing Economy? (2005)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00117046

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