Public support for the energy transition is driven by emotions
What psychological factors influence public support for decarbonisation policies ? A team at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has developed an artificial intelligence-based model to predict the level of public support for energy transition measures, whether related to electricity, heating or mobility. Based on fourteen key factors, the model shows that emotions play a more decisive role than purely rational considerations. Published in Nature Energy, this research provides policymakers with practical tools to design transparent communication and strengthen public acceptance of energy transition policies.
Decarbonisation policies – whether related to electricity, heating or transport – must receive broad public support to be implemented effectively. However, even among well-informed citizens, such support does not depend solely on rational considerations. Emotions, values and beliefs also play a major role. The team from UNIGE – which included Evelina Trutneyvite and Valeria Sorgato from the Renewable Energy Systems group – sought to identify which of these factors are the most influential. After reviewing and testing fifty variables drawn from the scientific literature, the researchers used machine learning (artificial intelligence) to identify the strongest predictors of support. This research was conducted in collaboration with the Consumer Decision and Sustainable Behavior Lab.
If you would like to know more about the research, you can read the full article published on the UNIGE Media webpage. You can also read the article in French in the Journal de l'UNIGE.