Drivers and attitudes of public support for technological solutions to climate change in 30 countries

Brutschin, E. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7040-3057, Baum, C.M., Fritz, L., Low, S., Sovacool, B.K., & Riahi, K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7193-3498 (2024). Drivers and attitudes of public support for technological solutions to climate change in 30 countries. Environmental Research Letters 19 (11) e114098. 10.1088/1748-9326/ad7c67.

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Abstract

Some experts contend that addressing global climate challenges requires consideration of technologies such as Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and, possibly, Solar Radiation Modification (SRM). Previous studies, primarily centered on the OECD region, have indicated that most of these technologies are contentious, eliciting low levels of public support. By conducting a set of nationally representative surveys examining seven CDR and three SRM technologies in 30 countries, we show that public skepticism is most prominent in wealthier countries. Respondents from these countries express lower confidence in the potential of science and technology to address climate change, diminished trust in industry, and expect to experience less personal harm from climate change. At the same time, there are many countries, not previously studied, where the levels of support for CDR and SRM are relatively high. As middle-income countries, their capability to effectively implement these technologies may be deficient; additionally, there is a risk of the unilateral implementation of certain technologies with uncertain implications in terms of their impacts on climate. This underscores the necessity for long term climate strategies that are context-specific and tailored to individual countries, while moreover emphasizing the imperative for extensive international collaboration, including through technological and financial transfers. Finally, strong international governance structures, especially in the context of SRM, are crucial to ensure a responsible approach towards these technologies.

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