How the Dutch evaluate CCS options in comparison with other CO2 mitigation options : results of a nationwide Information-Choice Questionnaire survey

Abstract

As the Dutch government as well as the European Union have set themselves clear goals for the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, significant efforts are being made by many to achieve the desired CO2 emissions reduction targets (e.g. 50% reduction in 2050 at the EU level). For the actual implementation of new technologies such as CO2 capture and storage the development of social support can be crucial. One of the goals of the CATO program was to learn more about the factors which affect societal support (or the lack of it) for CO2 capture and storage technologies. This study has investigated the choices the general public would make after having received and evaluated expert information on the consequences pertaining to these choices. The choice to study informed opinions and choices was made for several reasons. Earlier research in the Netherlands (Huijts, Midden & Meijnders, 2007; De Best-Waldhober, Daamen & Faaij, 2006, 2009) as well as outside the Netherlands (Ashworth, Pisarski & Littleboy, 2006; Ashworth et al., 2008; Ha-Duong, Nadaï & Campos, 2008; Itaoka et al., 2008; Reiner et al, 2006; Sharp, Jaccard & Keith, 2006, see Section 1.1) showed that the majority of the general public has no knowledge of CCS. Several studies furthermore show that people are inclined to give their opinion when asked, even if they have no knowledge whatsoever on the topic at hand (Bishop, Oldendick & Tuchfarber, 1986; Schuman & Presser, 1981). These opinions proof to be easily influenced (Strack, Schwarz & Wänke, 1991) and highly unstable (Daamen et al, 2006) and thus very unreliable as predictors for future public opinion. The current study therefore aimed at collecting informed as well as uninformed opinions (Section 1.2).