Matakos, K., "Does Warm Weather Cool Voters Down? How Temperature Shocks Impact Climate Concerns, Voting, and Policy Preferences"

Title: "Does Warm Weather Cool Voters Down? How Temperature Shocks Impact Climate Concerns, Voting, and Policy Preferences"

Speaker:  Professor Konstantinos Matakos, King's College London.

Host:  Assistant Professor Efthymios Athanasiou, Department of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business

Time: 15.30 -17.00

Room:  76, Patission Str., Antoniadou Wing, 3rd floor, Room A36

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. 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.