Low acceptance for German CO2 price on transport and heating fuels – survey
Clean Energy Wire
Germany's national price on CO2 emissions of fuels used in the transport and heating sectors lacks acceptance among the population, shows a survey by the Hans Böckler foundation. While about half of respondents rejected the CO2 price on fuels like petrol, diesel or heating oil, only a quarter (26%) said it was acceptable to pay the levy. Three out of four citizens felt poorly informed on the topic of carbon pricing, with respondents on average overestimating the financial burden of the current CO2 price. They guessed costs reached around 400 euros per year, compared to the actual 190 euros the foundation calculated based on average consumption patterns for heating and fuel consumption. Respondents also underestimated future carbon cost developments.
Acceptance of the carbon price and higher household incomes were strongly correlated. To increase acceptance among those with lower incomes, the authors recommended the government introduce a social compensation mechanism like the “climate bonus” (Klimageld in German). Such a mechanism would return some of the revenue generated by the price directly to low and middle-income households. Additionally, investments in public transport and heating networks were also necessary. The foundation surveyed around 4,800 people between January and February 2024.
Germany's national carbon price applies to emissions from heating and transport. Currently at 45 euros per tonne of CO2 equivalents, it will rise to 55 euros at the start of 2025. The EU's own carbon pricing mechanism (EU ETS) will include these two sectors from 2027. Experts have warned that Germany urgently needs a plan in place to deal with a possible jump in fuel prices and that the existing fixed national carbon price should rise quicker – but must be accompanied by social compensation measures.
To protect tenants in homes with low energy efficiency, the government agreed on a tiered cost-sharing system, with CO2 costs distributed between landlords and tenants.
