A majority of Germans support higher CO2 prices, as long as households with low and medium incomes are relieved through “climate checks.” According to a representative survey conducted by the Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband e.V. (PDF) among 1,009 Germans in June 2021, a slim majority (52%) of the population is unconcerned that rising CO2 prices could financially burden them. However, almost half (45%) of the population fears that higher CO2 prices will burden them economically. Since January 1, 2021, Germany has had a higher CO2 price for oil and gas consumed in buildings and transportation. The government wants to make the use of fossil fuels less attractive, but this also significantly increases heating and fuel prices.
The current CO2 price of 25 euros per tonne has already significantly reduced emissions in the transportation sector, according to a study by the RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research. By 2025, the CO2 price in Germany is set to rise to 55 euros per tonne. In light of climate change, scientists, managers, and politicians are calling for an even higher price for greenhouse gas emissions in a joint statement. More than half (59%) of the survey participants also stated that they are willing to accept higher CO2 prices if there is direct compensation. This could take the form of a “climate check,” where per capita reimbursement of revenue occurs. Households with lower incomes and fewer emissions would be relieved, while the wealthy, who generate a large portion of CO2 emissions, would bear a large portion of the costs.
Without this compensation, only a quarter (25%) of Germans support price increases. More than three-quarters (77%) say that revenue from the CO2 tax should be invested in climate protection projects, such as building renovation and the expansion of renewable energies. The survey shows that while Germans are willing to accept higher CO2 prices, they want to ensure that the burden is distributed fairly and that the revenue is used to combat climate change.
