Climate Change and Inequalities in Political Entry: Evidence from Brazil

• In Event: Democracy and Climate Stressors

Abstract

How does climate change influence who becomes a politician? The repercussions of climate change, along with the associated events, often exacerbate existing political, economic, and social inequalities. This study delves into the influence of extreme weather events on the decision to pursue a political career in Brazil, a nation that encompasses more than half of the Amazon rainforest. While the effects of extreme weather events frequently exhibit gender disparities, the distribution of relief packages may heighten the prevalence of less qualified and more rent-seeking politicians. Leveraging a newly compiled dataset encompassing extreme weather events and candidate profiles in Brazil (1991-2022), we employ a difference-in-differences design to examine the impact of such events on the gender and quality of political candidates. Subsequently, we utilize micro data on federal relief transfers, women's market integration, and survey data to explore potential mechanisms. By offering insights into the consequences of extreme weather events on candidate pools, our research contributes to our understanding of climate change politics, political inequalities, and their intersection.

Authors

• Guilherme Natan Fasolin, Vanderbilt University

• António Valentim, London School of Economics and Political Science