Dust and the city: corporate emissions and electoral discontent

This study adds to the geography of discontent literature by examining how industrial pollution affects urban electoral behavior. Focusing on the ILVA steel plant in Taranto, Italy, we find that greater exposure to its emissions correlates with lower voter turnout and increased support for a populist party. Residents near the plant are more likely to abstain from voting, and those who do vote tend to favor a movement that later failed to deliver on its promises. This disillusionment deepens institutional distrust. Our findings reveal how corporate misconduct can simultaneously harm public health and undermine democratic engagement in affected communities.