Work

Public opinion on climate policies that reduce emissions abroad to reach domestic targets—A Swiss case study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: To slow climatic change, all countries must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Paris Agreement, countries can reduce climate-relevant emissions both domestically and abroad to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Remarked for cost-effectiveness and the ability to shift funds to Developing Countries, so far only few countries use Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). While previously attributed to preferences for domestic co-benefits, “ climate backlash ” might have changed the tide. This paper is the first to study public opinion about greenhouse gas emission reductions abroad to meet NDCs within a country that already engages in it. Switzerland is one of the few countries using ITMOs. A population survey (n = 4915) reveals a pattern of support drastically different from other forms of climate policies, as only 18% are in favor of reducing emissions abroad. This implies that future research should study under which conditions public opinion on ITMOs alters and how perceived effectiveness, fairness, and co-benefits influence public opinion on the use of foreign emission reductions to meet domestic decarbonization goals.

Source: Current Research in Environmental Sustainability

DOI: 10.1016/j.crsust.2025.100295

Author: G. Brückmann

Institutions: University of Bern, Oeschger Centre for Climate Change Research

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Policy and Economics

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,180