Naturalness catalyzes public support for carbon dioxide removal and low-carbon energy technologies

[Geoengineering News]

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-026-03829-w

Authors: Sarah Gonzalez-Coffin, Shahzeen Z. Attari, Holly Buck, Amanda R. Carrico, Yoel Inbar, Ezra Markowitz, Kaitlin T. Raimi, Jonathon P. Schuldt, Trisha Shrum & Leaf Van Boven 

20 July 2026

Abstract

Carbon dioxide removal and low-carbon energy technologies offer promising methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, yet widespread deployment depends on public support. Two studies in the United States examined how naturalness shapes public support for six carbon dioxide removal and four low-carbon energy technologies. To the degree that participants in Study 1 perceived technologies as more natural, they supported them more, judging them as less risky and frightening, and more beneficial. In an experimental manipulation in Study 2, participants who considered technologies analogized as natural supported them more, perceiving them as less risky, more beneficial, and more positive than when the same technologies were analogized as artificial. The effect of naturalness on support was especially large among those more averse to tampering with nature. Individual-level political ideology did not moderate the effect of naturalness. These findings advance research on public support for sustainability technology, informing design, investment, and communications.

Source: Communications Earth & Environment