Publications

This page provides information and links for peer-reviewed publications (co-)authored by CSL members and collaborators (since summer of 2023). 

2023

Jorgenson, Andrew K., Brett Clark, Ryan P. Thombs, Jeffrey Kentor, Jennifer E. Givens, Xiaorui Huang, Hassan El Tinay, Daniel Auerbach, and Matthew C. Mahutga. “Guns Versus Climate: How Militarization Amplifies the Effect of Economic Growth on Carbon Emissions.” American Sociological Review 88(3):418-453.

Abstract: Building on cornerstone traditions in historical sociology, as well as work in environmental sociology and political-economic sociology, we theorize and investigate with moderation analysis how and why national militaries shape the effect of economic growth on carbon pollution. Militaries exert a substantial influence on the production and consumption patterns of economies, and the environmental demands required to support their evolving infrastructure. As far-reaching and distinct characteristics of contemporary militarization, we suggest that both the size and capital intensiveness of the world’s militaries enlarge the effect of economic growth on nations’ carbon emissions. In particular, we posit that each increases the extent to which the other amplifies the effect of economic growth on carbon pollution. To test our arguments, we estimate longitudinal models of emissions for 106 nations from 1990 to 2016. Across various model specifications, robustness checks, a range of sensitivity analyses, and counterfactual analysis, the findings consistently support our propositions. Beyond advancing the environment and economic growth literature in sociology, this study makes significant contributions to sociological research on climate change and the climate crisis, and it underscores the importance of considering the military in scholarship across the discipline.

Givens, Jennifer, Orla Kelly, and Andrew K. Jorgenson. “Inequality, Emissions, and Human Well-Being.” In Handbook of Inequality and the Environment, edited by Michael Long, Michael Lynch, and Paul Stretesky. Edward Elger Publishing.

Abstract: This chapter highlights the importance of incorporating inequality into studies of emissions and human well-being. We review the relevant sociological literature and demonstrate how well-being, emissions, and the relationship between the two are shaped by inequality. We also summarize how the nature of these relationships vary by context and scale. We briefly outline two approaches to addressing climate change to protect the planet and promote human well-being: global climate negotiations and social movements for climate justice. We conclude by discussing directions forward for research and policy.

2024

Jorgenson, Andrew. 2024. "Sociology and the Climate Crisis: A Momentum Surge and the Roots Run Deep." Sociological Forum doi.org/10.1111/socf.12994.