While most delegates agree that a temperature rise above 1.5°C is unacceptable, techno-optimists were more willing to accept increases beyond 2°C. This disconnect between belief in tech and necessary emissions reductions poses risks for effective climate action.
Paradoxically, those who believe most strongly in the power of tech innovation recommend lower carbon prices. But innovation should thrive under higher CO₂ prices, which incentivize technological breakthroughs. Without this push, innovation may not deliver fast enough.
Delegates with higher techno-optimism were more likely to recommend books advocating for incremental changes over transformative solutions, such as Andrew McAfee's More from Less vs. Doughnut Economics by @kateraworth.bsky.social
How was this mindset measured? Delegates were surveyed on their agreement with five statements about technological innovation (e.g., “Tech innovations like geoengineering offer suitable solutions to climate emergencies”). Responses formed the basis of their techno-optimism score.
Paper rdcu.be/dTKUW Techno-optimism, the belief that future innovations will mitigate climate change without major systemic changes, is prevalent among many climate delegates. The mindset can lead to delayed action / low recommended CO2 prices
Nature Sustainability - Within high-level conferences devoted to climate or sustainability action, differences in views can lead to differences in policy. This study surveyed how delegates at COP24...
New paper with Donia Mahabadi and Max Burger in Nature Sustainability: Technological optimism among COP24 delegates is linked to support for less stringent climate policies. What does this mean for global #ClimateAction?
