Public discourse on CO₂ transformation technologies: Lessons from a German study

In the context of climate change, emission intensive sectors such as aviation face the need to mitigate environmental impacts while demand is still rising. The use of CO 2 -based fuel offers the opportunity to make flight travel less carbon intensive. Understanding public perception of technological approaches like CO 2 -based jet fueled travel plays a pivotal role in enabling the integration of sustainable technologies. To explore how to communicate about CO 2 -based aviation fuel, we used a mixed-method approach. Following qualitative interviews (n = 12) to identify relevant elements in lay communication, a subsequent online survey of n = 152 participants was carried out to quantify the results. The analysis of the collected data identified various public information needs, such as information about CO 2 -based fuel's sustainability, development, and production. Furthermore, we discovered that factors such as communicator preference, as well as information content and preparation are linked to user characteristics such as environmental awareness, and attitudes towards flying as a mode of transportation. Recommendations for recipient-oriented communication strategies can be formulated based on these results. • Empirical exploration of CO 2 -based fuel acceptance predictors and user segments. • Differences in perception of flying and climate impact do not relate to acceptance. • Environment/flying perceptions impact information needs on CO 2 -based jet fuel. • Study informs about communication on CO 2 -based jet fuel and trust in communicators.