The ‘freedom’ to pollute? An ecological analysis of neoliberal capitalist ideology, climate culpability, lifestyle factors, and population health risk in 124 countries

Objectives This ecological study examined the relationship between neoliberal capitalist ideology (hereafter, neoliberal ideology) and non-communicable diseases (NCD) mortality in 124 countries, focusing on the degree to which climate culpability and physical inactivity are implicated in explaining that relationship. Methods The economic freedom of the world index of the Fraser Institute (representing neoliberal ideology), CO 2 emissions (metric tons/capita) from the World Bank (representing climate culpability), and the World Health Organization’s age-adjusted physical inactivity and NCD mortality data were used. Covariates included gross domestic product (GDP)/capita, the country-level prevalence of obesity ( n = 123), tobacco smoking ( n = 111), and alcohol consumption ( n = 61). Results Neoliberal ideology was associated with NCD mortality after controlling for GDP/capita, physical inactivity, and obesity, and this association was most pronounced in less culpable countries. The association between neoliberal ideology and NCD mortality remained statistically significant even after further controlling for tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption. Neoliberal ideology was associated with NCD mortality, after controlling for GDP, climate culpability, and tobacco smoking, regardless of physical inactivity. When alcohol consumption was introduced, physical inactivity moderated the association between neoliberal ideology and NCD mortality. Conclusion Neoliberal ideology was consistently associated with NCD mortality. Also, NCD mortality appears to be most severe in countries that are less culpable for global climate change. Our findings offer preliminary evidence-based support for a shift in thinking toward the fundamental determinants of health and calls for an upstream shift in climate change mitigation interventions to improve population health through the creation of equitable global political and economic systems.