Germans’ Concerns about Climate Protection

Armin Falk, Mark Fallak () and Lasse Stötzer ()
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Mark Fallak: Institute of Labor Economics
Lasse Stötzer: briq Institute

No 38, ECONtribute Policy Brief Series from University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany

Abstract: In a representative survey of around 2,000 people in Germany, almost two-thirds thought the German govern-ment was doing too little to combat climate change. This dissatisfaction is also widespread among voters of the governing parties. About 89 percent of respondents believe that the government should step up support for solar and wind energy. Almost 74 percent support a much faster expansion of wind turbines, even if this would mean short-er approval procedures and lower distances to dwellings. Strict emission limits for gas and coal-fired power plants, and an increase in the CO2 tax received less support among respondents, at around 60 percent each. More than 80 percent are in favor of discontinuing domestic flights on the condition that the rail network is expanded. Two-thirds support a speed limit of 130 km/h on freeways. Both proposals would command a majority across all electorates – with the exception of the speed limit, which is rejected by more than half of AfD voters. Most incentives to change consumer behavior are also supported by a vast majority. These include stan-dardized labeling of CO2 emissions for food and consumer goods and higher subsidies for climate-friendly behavior. By contrast, only 48 percent would approve of making climate-damaging meat and dairy products more expensive. Two-thirds would support a climate solidarity tax to help lower-income households finance additional spending on climate protection. The high willingness to accept costs or restrictions is in line with people being strongly concerned about the consequences of climate change. A large majority of 78 percent said they were concerned - one-third are even “very concerned”. Almost 84 percent of Germans believe in an obligation to protect the environment for future generations. 56 percent go even further and call on the German government to give greater weight to the needs of young people and future generations than to the needs of older people when making climate-re-lated policy decisions.

Pages: 10 pages
Date: 2023-06
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