A Group Delphi on economic perspectives on climate policy measures. A basis for informing a Citizen Forum

How do economic and consumer researchers assess the different EU policy options to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050? The research team of the EU project REAL-DEAL convened twelve experts to evaluate economic measures to implement the Green Deal objectives. This information was one of the major inputs for a subsequent Citizen Forum in Berlin, Germany.As one component of the EU project, REAL-DEAL, the authors conducted a Group Delphi involving experts from economics and consumer research. Group Delphi processes represent participatory formats aimed at providing a more accurate, fair, and complete representation of expert judgments regarding a specific topic. During the Delphi process in Berlin, twelve experts, representing different schools of economic thought, were asked to assess and evaluate economic instruments and measures to implement the Green Deal objectives with a focus on transport, housing, nutrition, and overarching economic issues related to climate protection. The results of the Delphi revealed a large diversity among the experts, in particular on the issue of state interventions into the economy. However, there was broad consensus on rejecting subsidies that encourage non-sustainable practices, and on recommending effective carbon pricing. The outcome of the Delphi was used as information for a subsequent Citizen Forum with randomly selected citizens.