Blaze of Distrust: The Impact of Wildfires on Social Capital and Governance in Brazilian Amazonia
by Feishi “Alicia” Gong
Abstract
The 2019 wildfire crisis in Brazilian Amazonia not only captured global headlines but also deeply influenced public sentiment towards environmental and political challenges within the country. Trust, a pivotal element of social capital, plays a vital role in shaping a nation’s progress and the well-being of its citizens. This study employs detailed satellite data on wildfire occurrences and survey data reflecting Brazilian public opinion to investigate the nature of fire activity in Brazilian Amazonia, treating it as indicative of organized criminal behavior. Further, it delves into the ramifications of wildfires on the institutional and interpersonal trust of Brazilians. Our findings reveal that wildfires exert a considerable detrimental impact on the trust that local residents place in institutions and each other. These insights underscore the urgency of enhancing environmental protection measures and wildfire management strategies. By doing so, Brazil can bolster its social capital and empower local governments to rebuild and maintain public trust effectively.
Professor Michelle Connolly, Faculty Advisor
JEL Codes: H70, Q23, Q51
Low-Income Residential Solar: A SASH Evaluation
By Jeff Knaide
In this paper, I examine the impacts of California’s Single-Family Affordable Solar Housing (SASH) subsidy on the rate of adoption of residential solar power. The SASH program looks to provide low-income families with a sizeable subsidy to install residential solar panels. Eligibility for the program depends on income, among a few other factors. This work represents part of a small body of energy justice literature, and the only existing evaluation of SASH. Zip-codes with higher eligibility (based on income levels) showed a significantly higher number of adoptions when controlling for important characteristics, specifically median income. While this policy did generate low-income adoptions, it does not offer a strong carbon abatement strategy – low-income households require greater financial support than might higher-income households.
Advisor: Christopher Timmins, Kent Kimbrough | JEL Codes: Q29
