Govermental interventions on food choices. Which policy instruments for climate change mitigation are publicly supported?

Abstract

In view of climate change, policy approaches addressing the consumption side of nutrition are becoming increasingly relevant to lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Yet, adequate policy instruments can be risky. They interfere with individual freedom of choice and can thus be unpopular. This study investigates the social acceptance of governmental interventions. The study explores four types of climate policy instruments of increasing depth of intervention: 1. information and education, 2. nudging, 3. taxation, 4. bans. Information and nudging are met with the largest degree of approval. Assuming that acceptance will decrease with the depth of intervention, the equally critical perception of taxation and bans is an exception. Apart from the depth of intervention, social acceptance also depends on the field of action. For instance, taxation of airfreight products would be widely accepted. The conclusion explores nutrition policy options motivated by climate policy considerations.