Work

The misperception of carbon footprints of the rich and the poor

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Not everyone contributes to climate change to the same extent. While huge inequalities exist in consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, we show (using a large representative sample, N = 1002) that US residents are largely unaware of the substantial carbon inequality within their country. In fact, 95% of respondents underestimate the carbon footprint of the top 1% consumers. At the same time, people wish for a more equal distribution of carbon footprints. These results were replicated in two independent samples (total N = 1455) and emerged across a range of demographic variables and climate change beliefs. Finally, in two experimental studies (total N = 2408), we demonstrate that learning about carbon inequality increased support for carbon taxes. Overall, the present paper shows that people substantially misperceive the carbon footprint of top consumers. Educating people about carbon inequality leads to support for legislative measures that aim to address overconsumption. • US residents are largely unaware of the carbon inequality in their country. • 95% underestimate the carbon footprint of the richest 1%. • Learning about carbon inequality increases support for carbon taxes. • Learning about carbon inequality did not backfire on efficacy or responsibility.

Source: Journal of Environmental Psychology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2025.102545

Authors: Laila Nockur, Sergio Pirla, Stefan Pfattheicher

Institutions: Aarhus University, Universidad de Zaragoza

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Communication and Perception

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,380