Can monetized carbon information increase pro-environmental behavior? Experimental evidence

Vanessa Schöller and Clara Ulmer

Ecological Economics, 2023, vol. 206, issue C

Abstract: Firms increasingly publish information about their sustainability in annual reports and on products. However, it is unclear which information induces pro-environmental behavior most effectively. In an experiment, we compare the effect of carbon display in kilograms, abatement costs, and social costs, respectively, on individuals’ purchasing decisions. Contrasting previous literature, we find that the type of display has no significant impact on purchasing decisions. Nevertheless, most participants believe that social cost information leads to the largest carbon reduction by consumers, and many prefer this information. Our results have implications for managers and policymakers interested in setting standards for CO2 information.

Keywords: Sustainability reporting; Carbon label; Economic experiment; Social cost of carbon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D91 M14 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:ecolec:v:206:y:2023:i:c:s0921800923000228

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolecon.2023.107759

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