People are willing to pay for climate- and biodiversity-friendly policies in Finland: opportunities of wind power, forest management, and peatland restoration

Abstract

Land-use practices play a crucial role in addressing the most pressing threats to the well-being of present and future generations, namely, climate change and biodiversity loss. Our study employed a choice experiment (CE) method to delve into the preferences of Finnish citizens concerning policy measures aimed at mitigating climate change, as well as their associated outcomes. The investigation yielded three key findings. First, on average, respondents expressed a willingness to pay (WTP) for both the implementation of proposed policy measures and the subsequent outcomes. Second, there was notable heterogeneity in WTP among respondents, influenced by whether they resided in the capital region or elsewhere in the country. Third, to assess citizens’ WTP for various policy combinations, we formulated alternative policy programs. These programs underscored the significance of forestry-related measures that not only address climate change but also yield positive biodiversity outcomes in shaping effective climate policies.