Associate Professor of Economics Ann Owen presented an invited talk at the World Bank on Sept. 7. The talk was based on a paper co-authored with Assistant Professor of Economics Julio Videras titled "Culture and Public Goods: The Case of Religion and the Voluntary Provision of Environmental Quality" which studied pro-environment behavior and attitudes of individuals in 14 countries.
The study notes that religious beliefs influence pro-environment behaviors and attitudes, even after controlling for religious affiliation, political views and activism and socio-demographic characteristics. It also makes a methodological contribution to the economics literature by using a more appropriate empirical treatment of cultural traits. Funding for the study was provided by a grant from the Blue Moon Fund, which is administered by the Levitt Center. Owen will present her findings again Sept. 15, at Union College.
