[Seminaire CREM] Présentation de Maxence GERARD, Université de Rennes, CREM - Faculté Des Sciences Economiques

Abstract:
Empirical studies indicate that childhood experiences with nature and social interactions strongly shape individuals' environmental attitudes. Urban children, with limited access to natural environments, are less likely to be connected to nature and therefore to support environmental protection as adults. We model the transmission of preferences through both childhood experiences with nature and socialization from adults in an overlapping generations framework with rural-urban migration and voting on environmental policies. We characterize the long-run relationship between urbanization and the environment. We show that when connectedness to nature is initially low, increased urbanization can enhance long-run environmental outcomes. This occurs because when cities become more productive, they attract individuals connected to nature from rural areas. A 'green culture' can then emerge in cities through socialization, mitigating urban children's lack of experience with nature. We also examine the political viability of a green education policy in the city.

Co-écrit avec Emeline Bezin.