In Favour of Financial Support and a Speed Limit // ZEW Study on the Acceptance of Climate-Friendly Transport Policy Measures in Germany

ZEW Study on the Acceptance of Climate-Friendly Transport Policy Measures in Germany

Without the approval of the general public, it is difficult for policymakers to implement measures in the transport sector for the purpose of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The acceptance of such projects is largely influenced by the citizens' economic self-interests. These are the findings of a representative survey conducted by ZEW Mannheim, the University of Kassel, the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) and the University of Gothenburg. Around 700 citizens participated in the survey, answering questions about 13 transport policies. The more the respondents personally benefited from climate-friendly transport policies, e.g. through subsidies, the higher the approval level for these policies.

"Climate policy proposals in the transport sector are generally welcomed by the majority of the population. However, they tend to be primarily accepted by those citizens who stand to financially benefit from them, or at least do not suffer any disadvantages", summarises Dr. Anna Straubinger, researcher in ZEW's "Environmental and Climate Economics" Unit and co-author of the study. "Therefore, compensation schemes such as 'climate money' could assist in the implementation of unpopular policies."