Automated Futures, Altered Priorities: The Impact of Technological Change on Environmental Attitudes and Policies

Nearly half the tasks currently performed by humans could be automated, which means that large segments of society are expected to seek new jobs within the next few years. Automation and digitalization can be critical in reducing greenhouse gasses and combating climate change. However, they may also reduce individual support for environmental policies. The economic changes brought about by these innovations could reduce environmental concerns among the social groups most affected by the associated loss of jobs. Using data from the International Social Survey Program, this study examines the impact of technological change on environmental attitudes and policy preferences. We hypothesize that individuals exposed to automation will be less likely to care about the environment and less likely to support policies imposing taxes to address climate change or other environmental problems. We use a tailored and objective measure, operating at the individual level, to quantify the degree of exposure to labor market risks. Then we analyze how automatization risk influences individuals developing a propensity to resist environmental regulation within various social and cultural contexts. The results of this research can help us understand how structural changes in the economy affect individuals' preferences when addressing fundamental environmental problems.