Do government ideology and fragmentation matter for reducing CO2-emissions? Empirical evidence from OECD countries

Abstract

This paper empirically examines whether government ideology and government fragmentation have influenced the process of CO2-emission reductions in the time period 1992–2008. Using data from 19 OECD countries, I find that (1) right-wing governments are associated with emission reduction to a smaller extent than center and left-wing governments and (2) emissions are higher the more parties are in government. On the other hand, the distinction between majority and minority governments has no significant influence on emissions.