Abstract

GARCIA CALLEJAS, Danny. Voting for the environment: the importance of Democracy and education in Latin America. rev. econ. Caribe [online]. 2015, n.16, pp.11-14. ISSN 2011-2106.

Abstract: This study found that doubling the level of democracy in Latin America reduces CO₂ emissions per capita by up to 6%. This relationship is estimated by using a fixed effects panel system of equations for 19 Latin American countries, between 1995 and 2008. Democracy acts as a conduit for increasing demands on environmental quality in Latin America, due to urban population growth and economic prosperity. Nevertheless, this study has, at least, two caveats: first it cannot unveil the long run relationship between democracy and environmental quality in the region; and, secondly, this study assumes that democracy entails positive outcomes for countries adopting this political system.

Keywords : Democracy; Environmental Quality; CO₂ Emissions per Capita; Latin America; Panel System of Equations.

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