Germans’ Willingness to Act Against Climate Change

We elicit individual willingness to fight climate change using an incentivized donation decision. More specifical-ly, we asked the 2,002 respondents to divide 198 euros between themselves and a charitable organization that fights global warming. The amount of 198 euros was chosen because, by donating all of it, respondents could offset the annual CO2 emissions of an average German citizen. We incentivize the decision by implementing the choices of a random subset of participants. Almost 90 percent of respondents donate at least part of the money to offset CO2 emissions. On average, respondents gave slightly less than half, around 96 euros. Altruistic individuals donated significantly more. Voters of the right-wing party AfD donated just under 57 euros, while supporters of the other parties gave an average of 102 euros. Willingness to fight climate change increased with rising income. However, even in the lowest income group with less than 1,300 euros per month, an average donation of 88 euros indicates a high willingness to forego a financial advantage for the sake of climate protection. Parents contributed on average about 10 percent more. People who deny climate change or see it as a mainly natural phenomenon donated on average 40 percent less than the rest of the population. That Germans seem to be conscious of climate issues is also reflected in their consumption behavior and transportation choices. A large majority of those surveyed stated that they try to save water and energy, and buy more regional, seasonal and vegetarian foods. Two-thirds regularly use bicycles, public transportation, or other environmentally friendly alternatives to driving by car. Germans are also willing to become politically active against climate change, albeit to a somewhat lesser extent. Almost one-fourth of respondents said they had taken part in demonstrations, signed petitions, or ac-tively supported climate protection organizations in the last twelve months. About one in eight have bought climate protection certificates to offset CO2 emissions.