The December 2025 CEPS Lecture Series is given by Konstantinos Matakos from the University of Pisa. Requirement: tba

Abstract: 

We explore how regional temperature variations in OECD countries affect political behavior, climate anxiety, economic concerns over green policies, and support for climate adaptation compensation. We build an OLG model to highlight the salient trade-off between ambitious climate policies—that can expedite green transition— and concerns about who bares the short-term transition costs of such policies. Using individual level survey data and election results, we show that exposure to higher temperatures reduces support for extreme/populist parties, and increases climate concerns and backing for parties with green agendas. Effects are driven by older voters’ heightened climate and economic cost concerns: this group becomes “greener” but simultaneously demands policies designed to mitigate these costs. Our results suggest that achieving widespread climate policy support requires parties to jointly advocate for green agendas and targeted compensation; and that opposition to green transition is not due to widespread climate change denialism but to the absence of compensation. 

Joint work with with Maria Cotofan and Karlygash Kuralbayeva.

Location:

ENS Paris-Saclay, Room 1B36
4 avenue des Sciences, 91190, Gif-sur-Yvette