Navigating choices: public perceptions of emissions-economy trade-offs in Chile and Mexico

Technical Summary

Despite strong public support for climate action across Latin America, governments have largely failed to enact effective policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This study employs a web-based survey conducted in Chile ( n  = 1,000) and Mexico ( n  = 1,001) to examine public support for climate policies and the relationship between perceived emissions–economy trade-offs and policy support. Results indicate that compulsory consumer-facing policies, including carbon taxes, fossil fuel bans, and zero-emission vehicle sales mandates, face the highest opposition in both countries. Nonetheless, resistance to these policies is lower than in the Global North, suggesting a stronger appetite for climate action in the studied jurisdictions. Chileans have significantly higher mean support for all climate policies, except for business subsidies. Policy support is highest among those who are unconcerned about potential negative economic impacts of climate policies. Furthermore, decoupling emissions from economic growth instead of pursuing a growth-at-all-costs approach is the preferred economic approach in both countries. These findings suggest that governments could frame climate policies as a means of growing the economy and protecting against economic losses, thereby strengthening public support, particularly among individuals concerned about economic growth. Communicating policy-specific emissions reductions and co-benefits, such as improved public health and job creation, may further enhance support.