Abstract EN:

This paper aims to provide an alternative explanation for why countries behave differently with respect to the environment and contributions to global pollution, although they might be quite similar from an economic development point of view. To explore this idea, I use a simple micro-founded model in which individuals derive utility from their own well-being as well as from a moral standpoint. The utility of the latter concept comes from the idea that individuals derive satisfaction from doing ‘the right thing’ (at least to some degree) – or, according to Immanuel Kant, from behaving according to the imperative principle. Being or acting green could fall into the category of such imperative principles. Using these concepts in addition to a simple political framework, I show that two equivalent societies (i.e., societies with the same income, political system, etc.) can reach two different environmental behaviour equilibria. I also locate the means of nudging a society from one equilibrium to another. Although I do not claim that this explanation is the only reason for why countries behave differently, this model provides a very simple rationale for why this could happen.