Economic insecurity, conservatism, and the crisis of environmentalism: 30 years of evidence

There is an ongoing scientific debate about how environmental concern develops in a population, and under which circumstances it might decline at some point. In this paper, by analysing thirty years of microdata from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP), I investigate the role of socioeconomic factors and political preferences in altering and addressing environmental perceptions in Germany, Europe's green leader. Results from correlated random-effects models reveal, inter alia, that economic insecurity and support for right-wing political parties significantly contribute to lowering environmental concern. Hence, policymakers ought to focus on economic insecurity in order to increase citizens' environmental concern and, eventually, bring an enhancement in pro-environmental behaviour as a result of the voters' political will. •I examine the economic and political factors shaping environmental concern over time.•I analyse 30 years of microdata from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP).•I employ Mundlak-type correlated random-effects models and Difference-in-Differences.•Economic insecurity and political choices are key drivers of environmental concern.•The results may be useful to policymakers, marketers, green businesses, and educators.