Do Environmental NGOs Matter? Correlations Between ENGO Operational Years and CO₂ Emissions in U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas

This study investigates the relationship between environmental non-governmental organizations (eNGOs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) across the United States from 2013 to 2022. The primary goal is to assess whether the total operational years of eNGOs within an MSA are correlated with changes in carbon dioxide emissions over time. Drawing on secondary data sources, the analysis integrates carbon dioxide emissions data, eNGO activity data, and a range of control variables, including population change, average January and July temperatures, percent of the population below the poverty level, percent of workers in manufacturing, percent of workers who drive alone to work, and the presence of local climate policies. Using robust linear regression models, this quantitative study finds evidence of a relationship between greater cumulative eNGO operational years and the degree of change in carbon dioxide emissions. While the findings suggest that eNGOs may contribute to shaping urban decarbonization trends, the analysis also highlights the influence of additional factors, such as socioeconomic characteristics and policy environments, in driving these outcomes. The research does not claim causality but provides insight into the potential institutional role of eNGOs as actors in climate governance at the metropolitan level. The results contribute to the broader literature on civil society and climate action by offering quantitative data-driven evidence on how eNGO presence may be linked to emission patterns in urban areas. This work informs future studies aiming to disentangle the mechanisms by which eNGOs affect environmental outcomes and provides practical implications for policymakers and advocacy groups working toward urban sustainability and carbon reduction goals.