From costs to fairness: how income shapes public support for climate policies

This study reviews how income inequality shapes public support for climate policies, aiming to reveal the deep-seated impact of social distribution structures on the political feasibility of climate action. Employing a three-dimensional framework of "individual-policy-external environment", the article systematically organizes relevant literature: At the individual level, economic burdens and psychological mechanisms such as climate apathy and perceived control influence public attitudes; at the policy level, fairness and redistributive characteristics are crucial determinants of support; at the external environment level, social discourse, institutional trust, and macro-social conditions often amplify or mitigate divisions among different groups. Further empirical reviews indicate that existing policies may exacerbate or mitigate inequality across nations and contexts. Based on these findings, the paper proposes policy recommendations, including progressive carbon taxes, differentiated subsidies, and green infrastructure investments, in order to enhance the fairness and political feasibility of climate policies. This review not only synthesizes interdisciplinary research but also offers theoretical and practical insights for designing and implementing future climate policies.