Without public trust, effective climate policy is impossible, warned Vincent de Gooyert, sociologist and lead author of the article.
“You see this, for example, in the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS). This technology is essential for achieving climate targets, but it is still barely off the ground. Industry wants government subsidies, but the government says there is no public support for this, and society wants to see the industry take responsibility first. But then you’re stuck in a vicious circle.”
No Market Value, But Essential
The climate debate is currently often framed from a techno-economic perspective, explained De Gooyert, “Every solution must have direct market value. If that is lacking, no one is willing to take the first step. However, a solution such as CCS has no direct market value. In addition to technology, regulations, and subsidies, you really need that support because a policy without support mainly results in resistance.”
De Gooyert collaborated with colleagues Senni Määttä, Sandrino Smeets, and Heleen de Coninck on the article.
Their recommendations are based, among other things, on extensive experience with discussions between government, business, citizens, and other stakeholders on climate issues.
They work with environmental organizations, industry, and governments in European countries, including Finland, Sweden, Spain, and Belgium.
Trust
“What keeps coming back is that policy only works if there is mutual trust. People often think that if we explain it well, support will come naturally. But then you mainly have one-way communication, and research shows that this can be counterproductive. What you end up with is people thinking: there go those arrogant policymakers again, telling us what’s good for us, and if we don’t agree, they’ll push it through anyway.”
De Gooyert and his colleagues advocate the use of independent scientific advisory councils, as well as initiatives such as citizens’ councils. “Citizens must be able to form an informed opinion independently, and there must be room for complexity and nuance. We must be honest with each other in such sessions: there are difficult choices to be made, but people must be given openness about the options and the consequences. Citizens deserve a say in their environment. To offer comfort to local residents, governments and businesses will also have to make sacrifices. We won’t get there with the current method. Then we’ll remain in the situation we’re in now: no one willing to take big steps on climate policy while time is running out.”
