Cognitive Psychology Commons^™

This study explores the development of laypeople’s preferences for newly emerg- ing climate engineering technology (CE). It examines whether laypeople perceive CE to be an acceptable back-up strategy (plan B) if current efforts to mitigate CO2 emissions were to fail. This idea is a common justification for CE research in the scientific debate andmay significantly influence future public debates. Ninety-eight German participants chose their preferred climate policy strategy in a quasi-realistic scenario. Participants could chose between mitigation and three CE techniques as alternative options.We employed a think-aloud interview technique, which allowed us to trace participants’ informational needs and thought processes. …