Education and information can increase the acceptance of climate policies
An important question for policymakers worldwide is how to make climate and environmental policies acceptable among the populations. A new study sheds light on the preferences in five East African countries. The study shows, among others, that education and information about how revenues from carbon taxes are used are important factors.
Making climate policies acceptable to the public is crucial to make them effective and to avoid resistance and protests. Research has, until now, focused on high-income countries. This new study, however, is based on a survey with 4,766 respondents in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. It turns out that there are both similarities and differences compared to previous studies.
Important inform how revenues will be used
The researchers focused on educated individuals in urban areas since they are likely to influence policy processes. This also means that the sample does not fully represent the total East African population.
One conclusion, that aligns with previous studies, is that a higher level of education and climate change concern are linked to a higher acceptance of policies aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption.
If you specify how the revenue from a climate tax or subsidy removal would be used, the support for these policy instruments almost doubled.
Social programs more important than environmental
In contrast to earlier studies, the researchers found that investments in social programs, not environmental programs, increased the acceptability the most.
“One possible explanation would be that in a country where poverty is prevalent, social issues are more urgent to people,” says Daniel Slunge, one of the study's authors.
Trust in government didn’t seem to play a big role for the acceptance. There were also significant differences between the countries.
The main conclusions from the study are:
- It’s important to specify how the revenue from a climate tax will be used – clear information more than doubles the acceptance.
- Investing the revenues in social programs leads to better acceptance of the policies than if they are invested in environmental programs.
- Investing in education and information can increase the acceptance of climate policies.
- Further studies are needed to tailor policies for each country.
About the study
The study was conducted in collaboration with the Inclusive Green Economy program by Niklas Harring and Daniel Slunge, University of Gothenburg, Anna Nordén, Jönköping Business School, and Michael Ndwiga, University of Nairobi.
Contact
Daniel Slunge, Daniel.slunge@efd.gu.se, +46 766 22 92 05
JOURNAL
Climate Policy
METHOD OF RESEARCH
Survey
SUBJECT OF RESEARCH
Not applicable
ARTICLE TITLE
Public acceptability of policy instruments for reducing fossil fuel consumption in East Africa
ARTICLE PUBLICATION DATE
29-Jan-2024
Global science and media organizations to sign pledge prioritizing science-based climate change communications
[Boston, MA—January 29, 2024] U.S. and international scientific associations will join with high-profile media outlets to sign a pledge of cooperation aimed at ensuring climate change-related communications are scientifically accurate, accessible, and actionable. The signing will take place Tuesday, January 30, during a special Presidential Session (10:45 a.m. to noon Eastern) at the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in Baltimore, Maryland.
The “Global Climate Science-Media Action Pledge” was developed by AMS and EarthX. It affirms that climate change is real, dangerous, and already causing damage, that climate change is a top priority for the signatory organizations, and that the signatories will work together to support, disseminate, and communicate science-based information and solutions to all stakeholders, including the general public.
“Tackling the challenges of climate change requires participation across all of society, yet in today’s information environment, it can be difficult to distinguish what claims are evidence-based,” says AMS President Brad Colman. “Scientific associations have the evidence and the ongoing research, but it’s not enough for us to know. We need to work more closely with the media so that people everywhere not only get access to the information we have, but understand its value and limitations. We are heartened to see that nearly 30 globally leading professional societies and media organizations from Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America have already committed to the pledge, and we expect to welcome additional signatories as this movement for science-based climate communications gains steam.”
“In the face of unprecedented environmental challenges, media plays a pivotal role in informing the public and encouraging a collective responsibility towards a sustainable future," said Dan Russell, CEO of EarthxTV. “We’re proud to join AMS and all the signatories on this pledge. When we talk about climate change, we've got to be spot-on with the science — it's how we help people understand what's at stake and what we can do about it."
Along with the signing of the pledge, the Presidential Session will feature speakers from the AMS, EarthX, NOAA, Accuweather, the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), and the Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) discussing solutions to address the gap between climate science and public knowledge (the AMS, EarthX, Accuweather, AGI, and RMetS are all among the signatories on the pledge). The AMS and EarthX will also sign a bilateral partnership agreement with the aim of working closely together on weather and climate communications.
About the AMS 104th Annual Meeting
The American Meteorological Society’s Annual Meeting brings together thousands of weather, water, and climate scientists, professionals, and students from across the United States and the world. Taking place 28 January to 1 February, 2024 at the Baltimore Convention Center, the AMS 104th Annual Meeting will explore the latest scientific and professional advances in areas from renewable energy to space weather, weather and climate extremes, environmental health, and more. In addition, cross-cutting interdisciplinary sessions will explore the theme of Living in a Changing Environment, especially the role of the weather, water, and climate enterprise in helping improve society’s response to climate and environmental change. The Annual Meeting will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center, with online/hybrid participation options. Free registration is available for certified members of the press. Learn more at annual.ametsoc.org.
About the American Meteorological Society
The American Meteorological Society advances the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, AMS has a membership of around 12,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS publishes 12 atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic science journals—in print and online; sponsors more than 12 conferences annually; and offers numerous programs and services. Visit us at https://www.ametsoc.org/.
About EarthX
EarthX, a brand under the umbrella of Earth Day Texas Inc., was established in 2010 as a 501(c)(3) organization, initially focused on supporting Earth Day festivities in Dallas. Since its inception, EarthX has evolved into a prominent international nonprofit and a leading global environmental entity. Our overarching mission is to cultivate environmental awareness, promote education, and ignite a fervor for sustainable practices among individuals and organizations, propelling us collectively towards a more eco-conscious future.
At the forefront of our initiatives, EarthX spearheads EarthxTV, a groundbreaking 24/7 linear television network committed to captivating and enlightening audiences worldwide. Broadcasting in over 60 million homes internationally, our reach extends far and wide. Headquartered in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas, EarthX Media Inc. is dedicated to weaving together the threads of environmental consciousness.
Explore the impactful work we do at EarthX by visiting EarthX.org, and join the conversation on Instagram and Facebook by following @earthxorg.
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