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No new fossil fuel projects: The norm we need
Fergus Green1, Olivier Bois von Kursk2, Greg Muttitt2,3
1Department of Political Science, University College London (UCL), London, UK.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|May 30, 2024
Summary
A new social norm opposing fossil fuel projects can significantly help meet global climate targets. This approach offers a powerful tool for climate action and achieving international climate goals.
Area of Science:
- Climate Science
- Social Norms
- Environmental Policy
Background:
- Global climate goals necessitate significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
- The expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure is a major driver of climate change.
- Existing policies have proven insufficient to halt fossil fuel development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the potential impact of a social-moral norm against new fossil fuel projects.
- To assess the feasibility of leveraging social norms for climate change mitigation.
- To explore novel strategies for achieving global climate objectives.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing literature on social norms and environmental behavior.
- Modeling the potential effects of norm adoption on fossil fuel investment.
- Case study analysis of norm emergence in other environmental contexts.
Main Results:
- A widespread social-moral norm against new fossil fuel projects demonstrates strong potential for climate goal achievement.
- Such a norm can influence investor behavior and public policy decisions.
- Norms can complement and strengthen existing regulatory and economic climate policies.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a social-moral norm is a viable and potent strategy for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels.
- This approach can foster broader societal engagement in climate action.
- Further research should explore mechanisms for cultivating and enforcing such norms globally.
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