How Latinos’ perceptions of environmental health threats impact policy preferences

Abstract

ObjectiveThis article examines the relationship between environmental health threats, personal experiences with climate change, and their association with attitudes toward global warming and willingness to pay for clean energy.MethodsUsing a nationally representative survey of Latino adults (n = 1200), we use categorical regressions to examine the relationship between environmental health threats and policy preferences.ResultsLatinos who have personally experienced climate change and who view air pollution as a threat, are more likely to be concerned with climate change and believe that passing stricter environmental laws will improve the economy as opposed to reduce econonic growth. Latinos who have experienced climate change and worry about the impact of climate change in their homeland are also more willing to pay $5 or $10 for clean energy.ConclusionThis study has implications for our collective knowledge of Latinos’ connections to the environment and policy outcomes and contributes to the growing area of environmental public opinion among ethno‐racial groups.