Public acceptance of carbon pricing hinges on communication and allocation of revenues - study

The political feasibility of carbon pricing depends more on public acceptance than on issues related to cost efficiency and economic benefits, a new study published by the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change has found. In an accompanying press release, the institute writes that, to achieve high public acceptance, designers of carbon pricing schemes should take into account political, economic, cultural, and social circumstances when determining how to allocate carbon tax revenues. Communication and terminology are also important factors to keep in mind, according to the press release.

Read the press release in English here, and purchase or rent the study in English here.

For background, read the articles Energy minister rejects idea of changing fees and taxes on energy and German environment minister open to national carbon price.