Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies

Abstract

2 management systems are thus important enablers of an integrated government strategy to combat climate change. • The surveys point to broader-than-expected support for collective action and greater common ground f or crafting international agreements. Most respondents across all countries think that climate change policy will be effective only if most countries adopt measures to reduce carbon emissions. Further, in contrast to their government's stated positions, respondents in most emerging market countries also think that all countries should pay to address climate change and that burden sharing should be based on current rather than historical emissions. This suggests that securing cooperation among countries could induce greater political support for climate action. • Overall, the surveys underscore the critical importance of effective communication and building awareness with respect to climate policy options. There remains significant scope for improving overall knowledge of climate change impacts and policies across all count ries. Further, the interventions highlight how even small amounts of information on policy benefits can engender greater support. This support, however, may be short-lived if policy trade-offs are not made explicit, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the public understands the relative costs and benefits of available policy options.