The politics of climate: Does factionalism impede U.S. carbon neutrality?

Abstract

This investigation explores the interrelation between U.S. factionalism and carbon emissions and further studies whether factionalism impedes U.S. carbon neutrality. We utilise the bootstrap full-and sub-sample techniques to identify the dynamic correlation between U.S. partisan conflict (PC) and carbon dioxide emission per capita (PCO2). The conclusions reveal that positive and adverse impacts of PC on PCO2 exist. The positive effects point out fierce PC may discourage the implementation and credibility of climate policy and bring about substantial uncertainties, thereby raising PCO2, which indicates that factionalism could impede U.S. carbon neutrality. However, this idea cannot be held during the adverse influence, PCO2 moves in the opposite direction to PC primarily caused by the economic crisis. Conversely, there are positive effects from PCO2 to PC, emphasising that new climate policies triggered by high carbon emissions may deteriorate factionalism and vice versa. Against the backdrop that the climate issue has become a political tool for U.S. factionalism, these conclusions offer significative implications for the U.S., which should adopt a correct and scientific attitude toward global warming, as well as develop a coherent and consistent policy response to climate change, in order to achieve carbon neutrality target within commitment time.