Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/73986 
Year of Publication: 
2005
Series/Report no.: 
Nota di Lavoro No. 5.2005
Publisher: 
Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei (FEEM), Milano
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.
Subjects: 
Inequality
Environment
Pollution abatement policy
Growth
Political economy
JEL: 
D31
O11
Q50
Q58
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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