A case for direct democracy

A new study by Prof. Yacov Tsur from the Department of Environmental Economics and Management at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem offers valuable insights into the relationship between democracy’s attributes and greenhouse gas emissions. Using a comprehensive dataset from over 150 countries spanning three decades (1990–2021), the research evaluates how specific attributes of democratic governance influence emissions, and provides implications for effective climate policy design.

The paper is published in the journal Ecological Economics.

The study highlights the significant role of direct popular voting, which stands out as the most effective democratic mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By reflecting the preferences of a broad electorate, this attribute diminishes the influence of interest groups and enables the implementation of impactful environmental policies.

Civil society participation follows as a key factor, effectively reducing overall emissions, especially in countries with higher GDP per capita. However, its impact is less pronounced when addressing emissions from specific, well-identified sources, such as CO₂.

Direct popular voting is a democratic system where citizens cast their votes directly for a candidate or policy, and the outcome is determined by the majority of votes nationwide or within a specified constituency.

Unlike systems that rely on intermediaries, such as an electoral college or parliamentary representation, direct popular voting reflects the immediate will of the people. It is often lauded for its transparency and simplicity, ensuring that every vote carries equal weight. However, it can raise concerns about the marginalization of minority interests and the risk of majoritarianism in diverse societies.

The research also finds that while liberal democracy and political civil liberties are essential for safeguarding freedoms and accountability, they can complicate the implementation of stringent environmental regulations.

Emphasis on individual rights and freedoms often limits the adoption of coercive measures, such as emission taxes or production bans, necessitating innovative policy solutions that balance democratic principles with environmental goals. Attributes like freedom of expression and judicial constraint on the executive demonstrate weaker but still notable impacts on emissions, particularly in wealthier nations.

A central finding of the study is the nuanced relationship between democracy and emissions, influenced by economic development. Democratic governance initially drives emissions through its positive effects on economic growth and GDP per capita. However, beyond a certain GDP threshold, democracy supports emissions reduction, with the threshold varying depending on the specific democratic indicator and type of emission.

According to Prof. Tsur, “These findings demonstrate how democratic governance influences environmental outcomes, offering new pathways for designing climate policies that respect democratic values while achieving sustainability goals.”

The research underscores the importance of tailoring climate policies to a country’s economic and democratic context.

By advancing our understanding of the complex interplay between democracy and environmental sustainability, this study contributes to the global conversation on climate change mitigation. Future research will explore additional dimensions of this relationship, integrating insights from multiple disciplines and focusing on diverse economic and political profiles.