Perceptions of fairness and climate action in the EU: What drives citizens’ support for the green transition?

Using a Eurobarometer data set on fairness perceptions of the green transition, this paper aims to understand what drives citizens’ support for the green transition and motivate them to adopt more sustainable behaviours. While there is widespread support for the green transition that leaves no one behind, due to existing inequalities, not every EU citizen is equally positioned to take action to address climate change. The paper covers a range of different types of climate policies, largely reflecting initiatives that are either already in place or being discussed at national or EU levels, such as investments in public transport infrastructure, green taxation and revenue recycling, subsidies for home renovation for vulnerable groups, or incentives for companies to adopt sustainable practices. In terms of green engagement, the analysis focuses specifically on the use of sustainable transport modes and implementing energy efficiency measures. The results show that not only ability to engage in climate action, but willingness to do so are key factors shaping the level of policy support. Similarly, socio-demographic, economic, behavioural factors, as well as perceptions of fairness influence the support for different policy options and the level of green engagement, all of which should be considered when designing policies for green transition.