Green Bans: Theory and Empirical Evidence

With growing knowledge about the climate system, the long-term climate target has shifted from one of reducing emissions, as embedded in the Kyoto Protocol, to one of eliminating net emissions, as expressed in the Paris Agreement. This, in turn, means that the climate problem is in essence a challenge of banning net carbon emissions. The European Union has used different policy instruments in their environmental and climate policy. Under time pressure and the polarised international situation regarding climate protection, the focus is also shifting to stricter regulatory measures, as these are considered to be particularly target-oriented and effective. Bans are a standard tool in many political areas, but empirical research on their actual impact, perceived acceptance and possible backlash is rare. We therefore conduct a survey examining public acceptance of various types of green bans and their potential alternatives across different EU member states. The analysis takes into account measures that have already been implemented for a considerable period of time, those that are currently being introduced, as well as those still in the planning or decision-making stages at the EU. By comparing these different contexts, the study seeks to identify overarching patterns, but also country specific details, in the acceptance and perceived legitimacy of regulatory interventions within the European Union, thereby elucidating the conditions under which such bans are regarded as legitimate and accepted policy instruments