Global impact of Nordic climate policies

Although domestic emission reductions have small global effects, the Nordic countries have engaged in ambitious policies to reduce these emissions. One rationale could be a belief that this will influence other countries also to be more ambitious. We explore various mechanisms by which small countries can hope to affect decisions about emission reduction programs in other countries. Of these mechanisms, technological advances through R&D seems to be the most viable. However, the current approach to technological development in clean technologies in the Nordic countries appears fragmented and in lack of a clear goal to influence other countries. The Nordic countries may also follow an ambitious climate policy because they want to do their share of a global effort to halt climate change. This is in line with recent research on so-called Kantian preferences. However, a Kantian climate policy does not imply that any type of climate action is morally good; rather, countries need to consider whether an action is in line with what to expect from an ideal climate treaty. Moreover, no action must violate or muddle with other international obligations to which the Nordic countries have committed.