Johnson, E.J., Sugerman, E.R., Morwitz, V.G. et al. Widespread misestimates of greenhouse gas emissions suggest low carbon competence. Nat. Clim. Chang

Objective:

• Examine whether participants substitute attributes in the direction and magnitude of their true correlation with emissions

Case:

• Individuals, the US

Methodology:

• Tau value: normally distributed, indicating participants were no differ than chance
• Lens model
  • Normative regression predicts the actual, objective rank of items
  • A descriptive regression predicts the ranks estimated by participants
• Robustness: ordinal logistic model

Data Source

• Survey; SAM lab

Findings:

• Despite the oppotunity to double one’s compensation, incentive compatibility had no significant effect on emissions

• Larger firms emit more. Participants maight be more accurate in industries compared to firms since greater tau value.
• Consumers lack the necessary carbon competence to accurately estimate the emissions associated with various behaviors, firms and industries.

• Attribute substitution does occur. Certain attributes are over- or under-weighted. Some attributes are interpreted in the wrong direction.
• Subjective and objective ranking were significantly related to some of the attributes

• The familarity with and linking of a given firm influence emission judgements, with a more subjective ranking.
• Exports significantly outperformed the general population

Coding Reference:

• R