Public opinion on climate policies that reduce emissions abroad to reach domestic targets—A Swiss case study

To slow climatic change, all countries must reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Under the Paris Agreement, countries can reduce climate-relevant emissions both domestically and abroad to meet their nationally determined contributions (NDCs). Remarked for cost-effectiveness and the ability to shift funds to Developing Countries, so far only few countries use Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs). While previously attributed to preferences for domestic co-benefits, “climate backlash” might have changed the tide.

This paper is the first to study public opinion about greenhouse gas emission reductions abroad to meet NDCs within a country that already engages in it. Switzerland is one of the few countries using ITMOs. A population survey (n = 4915) reveals a pattern of support drastically different from other forms of climate policies, as only 18% are in favor of reducing emissions abroad. This implies that future research should study under which conditions public opinion on ITMOs alters and how perceived effectiveness, fairness, and co-benefits influence public opinion on the use of foreign emission reductions to meet domestic decarbonization goals.