The misperception of carbon footprints of the rich and the poor

Abstract

Not everyone contributes to climate change to the same extent. While huge inequalities exist in consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, we show (using a large representative sample, N = 1002) that US residents are largely unaware of the substantial carbon inequality within their country. In fact, 95% of respondents underestimate the carbon footprint of the top 1% consumers. At the same time, people wish for a more equal distribution of carbon footprints. These results were replicated in two independent samples (total N = 1455) and emerged across a range of demographic variables and climate change beliefs. Finally, in two experimental studies (total N = 2408), we demonstrate that learning about carbon inequality increased support for carbon taxes. Overall, the present paper shows that people substantially misperceive the carbon footprint of top consumers. Educating people about carbon inequality leads to support for legislative measures that aim to address overconsumption.