Scientists from "Scientists for Future" (S4F) offer guidance on questions surrounding comprehensive CO2 pricing

Berlin, 19.08.2019 | One month before the crucial meeting of the German federal government's climate cabinet, scientists from "Scientists for Future" today published answers to the ten questions most frequently encountered in conversations and discussions about CO2 pricing over recent weeks and months. Covering everything from the question of effectiveness to the question of an appropriate price level, the text provides both brief answers and detailed explanations. Further questions address steering effects, possible consequences for the economy and distributive justice, as well as the integration into a broader mix of policy instruments.

Within economics, there has been broad consensus for decades that a price on greenhouse gases is a sensible means of reducing these climate-relevant emissions quickly and cost-effectively. In the wake of the "Fridays for Future" protests, amplified by the European elections and corresponding announcements by the federal government, the topic has now also attracted widespread attention in politics, the media, and among the general public.

In the meantime, numerous new studies and recommendations have been put forward. Different concepts and instruments are competing for attention, their supporters and opponents are debating passionately — and many people in politics, business, and society are struggling to keep track of it all.

"As Scientists for Future, we want to answer the current questions about CO2 pricing in a clear and scientifically sound way for policymakers and the interested public. That's an important role for science to play," says Dr Linus Mattauch, one of the two lead authors. His colleague Prof Dr Felix Creutzig adds: "The entire author team supports the rapid introduction of a price on all relevant greenhouse gas emissions as an efficient, necessary, and socially just means of climate protection. However, we're not making a recommendation as to whether the price should be implemented through a tax or emissions trading. We present the facts and explain the respective advantages and disadvantages."

The "Scientists for Future" (S4F) aim to contribute objectivity and factual clarity to the debate on climate and sustainability. The document explains what lies behind the idea of a CO2 price. It is available on the S4F website at the following link:

https://www.scientists4future.org/2019/08/co2-preis-klimafreundliche-gesellschaft/