Understanding the nexus between national climate investment and public perception of pollution damage in Europe

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Ribeiro, VM (Author) FEP; Soares, I (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Environment, Development and Sustainability

ISSN: 1387-585X

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-01A-F3R

DOI: 10.1007/s10668-025-07027-0

Abstract (EN): This study examines the impact of national protection of ambient air and climate investment (PAACI) on public perception of pollution damage across 35 European countries from 2012 to 2022. Supporting the policy ineffectiveness hypothesis, results show that despite substantial national climate spending, public perception remains largely unchanged or worsens. Panel analyses - classical, Bayesian, and high-dimensional - reveal a negative effect of PAACI, especially at higher investment quantiles, with an asymmetric fixed effects estimation showing that only cumulative reductions significantly increase perceived pollution damage - motivating the formulation of a novel reactive perception theory. Mediation analysis confirms PAACI as a key channel linking environmental factors to public perception, with Kolmogorov-Arnold networks identifying top-level mediators that enhance perception. Gelbach decomposition indicates strategic complementarity between PAACI and supranational environmental transfers, highlighting the need for policymakers to pair diversified investment strategies with adaptive communication to boost public awareness and trust.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 46