DIGSSCORE Seminar: Climate policy inaction and elites’ overestimation of opposition toward measures to reduce emissions

Ingrid Kvåle Faleide, PhD Candidate at the Department of Government at the University of Bergen, will present for us today. She will present her article titled "Climate policy inaction and elites’ overestimation of opposition toward measures to reduce emissions".

The event is in a hybrid format, you are welcome to join us for lunch from the Corner room at DIGSSCORE. Food is provided on a first-come first-served basis. Zoom link for digital attendance.

Abstract:

Can misreadings of public opinion be leading to climate policy inaction? This article suggests that the opposition toward measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is overestimated, particularlyby politicians. Results from a coordinated online survey carried out in samples ofordinary citizens, elected representatives and public administrators in Norway highlight the potentialoverestimation of opposition to climate policies more generally, by specifically looking atsupport for meat-free days in canteens. Citizens tend to support this, but most estimate that aminority of Norwegians would be in favor. Politicians are significantly less in favor of meat-freedays themselves, and more importantly three quarters of them think most Norwegians wouldoppose it. Even bureaucrats, who overwhelmingly support the proposal themselves, tend tothink most Norwegians oppose a meat-free day once a week.