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Columbia Business School Professor Gernot Wagner spoke with Grist reporter Tik Root about why government efforts to force consumers to adopt green technologies can sometimes produce political and social backlash. Drawing on examples from Germany, Wagner explained that policies perceived as coercive—especially when they raise household costs or limit choice—can erode public support for climate action. He emphasized that successful climate policy must balance urgency with fairness, clear communication, and economic incentives that help people transition willingly rather than resentfully.
