In a recent article published in the Journal of Environmental Economics and Management (JEEM), Dr. Sven Hartmann (IAAEU & Trier University) explores how access to independent information shapes long-term environmental preferences and behavior.
The study exploits a natural experiment in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), where geography determined access to West German TV. While East German state media often downplayed industrial pollution as "fog," Western broadcasters provided transparent reporting on environmental issues.
The findings demonstrate that exposure to uncensored media led to a significant and persistent increase in environmental concerns. These attitudinal shifts translated into revealed pro-environmental behavior: individuals with access to Western TV were more likely to participate in environmental organizations and submit formal complaint letters about local pollution to the authorities. These effects persisted beyond reunification, manifesting in higher Green Party vote shares in the first federal elections.
The results highlight the critical role of independent media in fostering public support for environmental policy by reducing information frictions.
The paper is available via Open Access: Hartmann, S. A. (2026). Fog or smog? The impact of uncensored reporting on pollution on individuals’ environmental preferences. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 138, 103325.
The study exploits a natural experiment in the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), where geography determined access to West German TV. While East German state media often downplayed industrial pollution as "fog," Western broadcasters provided transparent reporting on environmental issues.
The findings demonstrate that exposure to uncensored media led to a significant and persistent increase in environmental concerns. These attitudinal shifts translated into revealed pro-environmental behavior: individuals with access to Western TV were more likely to participate in environmental organizations and submit formal complaint letters about local pollution to the authorities. These effects persisted beyond reunification, manifesting in higher Green Party vote shares in the first federal elections.
The results highlight the critical role of independent media in fostering public support for environmental policy by reducing information frictions.
The paper is available via Open Access: Hartmann, S. A. (2026). Fog or smog? The impact of uncensored reporting on pollution on individuals’ environmental preferences. Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, 138, 103325.
