Survey results indicate public support for stronger climate action, even if it means higher taxes

Despite concerns about household and local effects, public support for ambitious climate policies in the Nordic Region is relatively strong, even when such policies involve tax increases. According to a 2022 Nordregio survey, 49% of respondents agreed that more public resources should be invested in climate action, even if this results in higher taxes. Only 25% explicitly disagreed (Figure 4).

Support varies across demographic and geographic lines. Urban residents are more likely to support tax increases for climate action (59%) than those in rural areas (39%) or towns and suburbs (46%). Women (55%), university-educated individuals (61%) and students (58%) also show higher levels of support. Country-level differences are notable: support is strongest in Sweden (55%) and Denmark (52%) and lower in Greenland (41%) and Finland (37%). However, in all countries except Greenland, more people support than oppose increased climate spending funded through taxation.

This provides policymakers with a strong foundation to pursue ambitious climate policies. However, support for climate action does not automatically translate into approval of specific climate measures. Lack of support or resistance may still arise, particularly among groups more affected by the costs or changes associated with individual policies. Such resistance may be linked to people’s lifestyles, as well as energy and mobility needs. The survey data show that individuals who rely heavily on private car use or who work in carbon-intensive sectors are less likely to support ambitious climate policies. These groups may see such policies as threats to their jobs and lifestyles. Similarly, people living in homes not connected to district heating systems are less likely to support increased spending on climate policies if this entails higher taxes. Therefore, policymakers need to consider how policies affect people with diverse living circumstances, simultaneously looking at income and expenditure effects of policies.

To maintain public acceptance and support for the green transition, ensure that alternatives, such as affordable public transport or retraining for those in carbon-intensive industries, are available in contexts where climate policies may require changes of lifestyle or at the workplace.

Tapia, C., Lundgren, A. & Sánchez Gassen, N. (forthcoming). Scaling fairness: Balancing self-interest, community needs and societal justice for public acceptance of climate change mitigation policies in the Nordic Region.

Tapia, C., Sánchez Gassen, N., & Lundgren, A. (2023). In all fairness. Perceptions of climate policies and the green transition in the Nordic Region. Nordregio Report 2023:5, Stockholm: Nordregio. DOI: 10.6027/R2023:5.1403-2503.