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Individual-motivational factors in the acceptability of demand-side and supply-side measures to reduce carbon emissions
Abstract
As more than a third of all carbon dioxide emissions in the UK are generated by the domestic sector, individuals need to make drastic changes to their current lifestyle in order to play their part in climate change mitigation. Not only do they need to change their personal behaviour, they also have to accept new low-carbon technologies in order to decarbonise the energy they are using. This study uses an adapted version of the Value–Belief-Norm (VBN) model (Stern, 2000) to examine individual-motivational factors in the acceptability of demand-side and supply-side strategies to reduce carbon emissions. The study found that environmental identity, climate change concern, and personal norms are all significantly associated with the acceptability of both demand-side measures and supply-side technologies. While personal values were also important, their associations were mediated by more specific factors. Overall, the adapted VBN model was better able to explain the acceptability of low-carbon behaviours than of low-carbon energy-supply technologies. Concern about energy security appeared to be of limited importance. It was negatively associated with the willingness to engage in low-carbon behaviours, suggesting that a shift in focus towards energy security issues may not necessarily help a transition to a low-carbon society.
... The inclusion of predictors in these studies was restricted to SPV, SHS or SPV-BESS. Similarly, the same principle was applied to topics that covered both demand and supply-side issues [26,27] or electric vehicles [28]. Broadly, defining the explicit boundaries of the scope aimed at distinguishing the cognate and unified predictors by avoiding those peripheral ones for the adoption behaviour of the three residential electricity-generating technologies. ...
... Constructs of the theories fall into the 'individual' dimension that seeks to describe and explain the decision made by an individual. They are embedded as part of the decision framework [47,55,[72][73][74][75][76] or are haunted by the psychographic-oriented studies [4,19,26,41,42,59,62,[77][78][79]. However, studies reached no consensus on the level of influence of predictors on behaviour. ...
... The introduction of battery technology also shifts the dynamics of decision-making behaviour regarding a solar home purchase. As evidenced in [26,71,79,141], the acquisition of solar energy can satisfy consumers' environmental and personal values. Over the past decades, solar technology has been perceived as a widely accepted, environmentally friendly approach, while BESS is an energy-saving device that does not reduce electricity consumption. ...
The successful diffusion of rooftop solar photovoltaics (SPV) in residential sector depends on the decisions of bounded rational households to accept this technology. Such heterogeneous decision is formed by socio-demographic, economic and technical predictors interwoven with a variety of behavioural traits. Over the past years, these exogenous and endogenous predictors have served as the starting point of a large body of studies seeking to understand the heterogeneity of the behaviour and to predict the diffusion rate. The present systematic review primarily identifies the predictors of 173 original quantitative and qualitative studies on the residential adoption behaviour of SPV, solar home system (SHS) and SPV coupled with battery energy storage system (SPV-BESS) technologies. For the designated predictors, the study proposes a customised taxonomy aimed at in-depth understanding of knowledge in an organised and coherent framework. Extracted from 133 of the 173 initially reviewed papers, the last objective of the review further expands on current understanding of the predictors by exploring their correlations with the behaviour. The upshot of the review unfolds a total of 333 predictors that sought to investigate households' attitude, knowledge, tendency, awareness, willingness, intention and adoption decisions towards the uptake of SPV, SHS, and SPV-BESS. The identified predictors are classified into individual, social and information dimensions, with 20 categories and 20 subcategories. An exhaustive comparison on the frequency use of predictors denotes more popularity of social predictors led by 'age' and 'income', and 'financial knowledge' at the category dimension. However, the synthesised results of the vote-counting method applied to a total of 239 factors suggest a lower correlation of several traditional determinants (e.g., age, gender) whereas certain attitudinal traits categorised as individual demonstrate significant correlation with the behaviour.
... The literature regarding net-zero projects is often atheoretical, with only seven articles (Batalla-Bejerano et al., 2020;Boute & Zhikharev, 2019;Grottera et al., 2022;Mercure et al., 2014;Poortinga et al., 2012;Szolgayová et al., 2014;Timmons et al., 2019) lens, even if the actual application varies. The only article with a robust theoretical approach is that by Sopjani et al. (2020), which applies social practice theory as a theoretical lens to explain the behavioral changes of individuals involved in an experiment. ...
... The literature highlights the importance of pursuing behavioral and lifestyle changes in achieving the net-zero transition goal (Dwivedi et al., 2022;Newell et al., 2021;Poortinga et al., 2012). For instance, decreasing the average European household temperature by 1 o C can save the equivalent of Denmark's 2020 CO2 emissions (European Environment Agency, 2023; ...
Projects are essential for the net-zero transition, yet the project studies literature largely ignores net-zero transition and net-zero projects. We argue that projects are vectors of change enabling the transition toward net-zero sociotechnical systems. Leveraging a systematic literature review, we identify four types of net-zero projects: (1) new assets; (2) upgrade assets; (3) behavioral intervention; and (4) Research, Development, and Demonstration (RDD). We present how “net-zero projects” can enable the transition of sociotechnical systems toward net-zero, reducing emission intensity or quantity. Finally, we underline the heterogeneity of net-zero projects in terms of complexity, barriers, benefits realization time span, and complementarities.
... That is, people who are worried about climate change -perhaps unsurprisingly -express higher levels of support for all eight policies, as do those with more left-wing (versus right wing) and libertarian (versus authoritarian) political values. These results are in line with a substantial body of empirical and theoretical research showing that problem perception (climate concern) is one of the most important determinants of (climate) policy support (Poortinga et al., 2012;Drews and van den Bergh, 2016; Bouman et al., 2020;Bergquist et al., 2022); and that political orientation (e.g., left versus right, liberal versus conservative) shapes beliefs about climate in particular in anglophone countries (Hornsey et al., 2018;Poortinga et al., 2019), including for climate policies (Poortinga et al., 2012(Poortinga et al., , 2022Ejelöv and Nilsson, 2020;Bergquist et al., 2022). The strongest and most consistent predictor of net zero support was, however, perceived fairness. ...
... That is, people who are worried about climate change -perhaps unsurprisingly -express higher levels of support for all eight policies, as do those with more left-wing (versus right wing) and libertarian (versus authoritarian) political values. These results are in line with a substantial body of empirical and theoretical research showing that problem perception (climate concern) is one of the most important determinants of (climate) policy support (Poortinga et al., 2012;Drews and van den Bergh, 2016; Bouman et al., 2020;Bergquist et al., 2022); and that political orientation (e.g., left versus right, liberal versus conservative) shapes beliefs about climate in particular in anglophone countries (Hornsey et al., 2018;Poortinga et al., 2019), including for climate policies (Poortinga et al., 2012(Poortinga et al., , 2022Ejelöv and Nilsson, 2020;Bergquist et al., 2022). The strongest and most consistent predictor of net zero support was, however, perceived fairness. ...
Achieving ambitious carbon reduction targets requires transformative change to society, with behaviour change playing an important role. Climate change mitigation (‘net zero’) policies are needed to accelerate and support such behaviour change. This study examined factors and framing effects in public support for net zero policies in the United Kingdom (UK), making use of a large probability sample (n total = 5,665) survey conducted in August 2021. It found that net zero policies are widely supported, with only taxes on red meat and dairy products being supported by less than half of the UK public. Climate worry and perceived fairness were the strongest and most consistent predictors of policy support for net zero policies. The results further suggest that support for net zero policies can be increased by emphasising the co-benefits of the policies, in particular where they are beneficial for health. However, the framing effects were very small. In contrast, public support for net zero policies is lower when potential lifestyle and financial costs are mentioned. This suggests that perceived fairness of the distribution of costs and lifestyle implications of policies are crucial for building and maintaining support for net zero.
... The existing literature has provided evidence that gender, education and age play a role in determining people's perceptions of climate change (e.g. Poortinga et al., 2012;Poortinga et al., 2019;Marquart-Pyatt et al., 2019), even though there is some variation between countries (Poortinga et al., 2019) as well as inconsistencies in the results (for a review, see Milfont et al., 2015). The findings thus far suggest that men, older people and less educated persons are more sceptical and less concerned about climate change (Milfont et al., 2015;Poortinga et al., 2012;Marquart-Pyatt, 2008;McCright et al., 2016), but these general statements hide some details about the complexity of such interrelationships (see, e.g. the review by Blankenberg and Alhusen, 2018). ...
... Poortinga et al., 2012;Poortinga et al., 2019;Marquart-Pyatt et al., 2019), even though there is some variation between countries (Poortinga et al., 2019) as well as inconsistencies in the results (for a review, see Milfont et al., 2015). The findings thus far suggest that men, older people and less educated persons are more sceptical and less concerned about climate change (Milfont et al., 2015;Poortinga et al., 2012;Marquart-Pyatt, 2008;McCright et al., 2016), but these general statements hide some details about the complexity of such interrelationships (see, e.g. the review by Blankenberg and Alhusen, 2018). Interestingly, neither income nor employment have always been included in the models explaining people's attitudes about climate change (e.g. ...
Climate change views have their socioeconomic foundations but also specific geographies. In merging these perspectives, this analysis uses ESS Round 8 data from 23 European countries to examine whether climate change scepticism and concern, pro-environmental personal norm and a willingness to engage in energy-saving behaviour exhibit, first, urban-rural and/or regional differences, and second, if these attitudes can be explained at individual level by socioeconomic position and wellbeing resources. We find that climate change scepticism and concern do exhibit urban-rural differences, where living in a country village is associated with greater climate scepticism and lower concern compared to living in a big city. Also, higher climate change concern and pro-environmental norms are associated with living in a region with constant population growth. These geographical differences are independent of individual-level socioeconomic attributes as well as one's political orientation. Additionally, the results show that both climate change attitudes and reporting energy-saving behaviour are strongly stratified by level of education and reveal that those in lower income deciles feel less pro-environmental norm but nonetheless report greater engagement with energy-saving behaviour. In sum, the results highlight that climate change mitigation is not a uniform project either spatially or within certain socioeconomic strata. Hence, our results suggest that socioeconomic disadvantage (belonging to the lowest education and income levels) and spatial marginalisation (living in more rural surroundings and declining regions) should be better acknowledged when reworking climate change and environmental policies in the EU.
... We expect self-transcendent values to play a central role in shaping beliefs and concern about energy security, as predicted by the literature (Prati et al., 2018;Fornara et al., 2016;Corner et al., 2014;O'Brien and Wolf, 2010), thus generating preferences for specific energy supply sources. In particular, as self-transcendent value orientation makes people more sensitive to environmental issues and more responsible for their own actions (Liobikienė and Juknys, 2016), it is usually associated with environmental concern and individual beliefs, predicting a positive engagement with energy preferences (Poortinga et al., 2012;Steg and De Groot, 2012;Steg and Sievers, 2000). This means that people with a preference for a less individualistic and more common-good organisation of society are expected to be more concerned about the risks of climate change (Kahan et al., 2011) and more likely to believe that their own behaviour could contribute to environmental conservation (Fornara et al., 2016). ...
... Energy preferences may depend, directly or indirectly, on the factors considered in the VBN approach, i.e., human values, efficacy beliefs and concern about energy security (Poortinga et al., 2012;Lockwood, 2011). Preferences for low-carbon energy supply sources, such as solar power, refer to electricity usage by the entire community (not to individual use) and should be associated with the willingness to take energy reduction and efficiency measures (European Social Survey, 2016). ...
Environmental research has increasingly recognised the relevance of energy-efficiency behaviours to mitigate climate change. In this perspective, we exploit data from the European Social Survey round 8 (2016) to provide new insights into the main factors leading to the preference for solar power in three European countries – France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. A Structural Equation Model is adopted to assess the impact of self-transcendent values, efficacy beliefs and concern about energy security on such preference. Our outcomes suggest the key role of self-transcendent values in driving preference for solar energy in all the analysed countries. On the other hand, the impact of efficacy beliefs and concern on such preference shows interesting cross-country differences: beliefs are relevant in France and Germany, while concern provides more guidance for French and British citizens. The provided evidence may assist policymakers in increasing the adoption of green energy sources among citizens, sustainably enhancing economic growth.
... These static analyses concentrate on the reduction of carbon emissions and can be classified into two principal categories. One category of studies is concerned with the impact of individual user behaviour on electrical carbon emissions 10 . Another category of studies focuses on the analysis of carbon emissions from the power sector through the lens of management, with a particular emphasis on the characteristics of the data within a specified time frame 11 . ...
This study portrays the pattern of differential spatial and temporal evolution of electrical carbon emissions from the demand side, based on the data of approximately 3,000 distribution network transformer units in the studied cities under increasingly challenging environmental conditions. The approach integrates both temporal and spatial analysis to uncover dynamic patterns from a demand-side perspective of distributed network. Temporal analysis examines variations in electrical carbon emissions at monthly, daily, and hourly intervals, providing a detailed view of emission trends over time. Spatial analysis explores whether the electrical carbon emission patterns are spatio-temporally correlated by using correlation techniques. On this basis the spatial evolution is then explored by employing the standard deviation ellipse method. Additionally, the logarithmic mean divisia index analysis is applied to quantify the impact of various factors on electrical carbon emissions. Findings reveal significant temporal and spatial correlations in urban electrical carbon emissions covering the period from May to September 2018. The spatial analysis indicates a southwest-to-northeast trajectory in the movement of the ellipse's center of gravity over time, with higher emissions concentrated in the central district and lower levels in peripheral areas. Key driving factors influencing electrical carbon emissions include average temperature, finance and taxation, values of industrial production and commercial consumption. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of electrical carbon emissions.
... Furthermore, environmentally conscious individuals may opt for products with less packaging or choose products made from recycled materials, which can be cost-effective in the long run. The awareness and concern about environmental issues, such as climate change, have been shown to enhance engagement in low-carbon activities, which can also translate to economic savings [55]. ...
The persistent generation of plastic waste represents a critical environmental challenge. Despite the implementation of various management policies spanning from usage to disposal that are aimed at incentivizing plastic reduction, the accumulation of plastic debris continues to pose a significant threat to both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Moreover, this environmental issue adversely impacts economic development and human health. This study seeks to analyze the influencing factors of plastic-reduction behavior at the individual level. Through a diverse sample of 869 participants across 29 provincial-level administrative regions, this research utilizes structural equation modeling to elucidate the intricate factors influencing plastic-reduction behaviors. This study examines the factors influencing plastic-reduction behavior through the frameworks of economic savings and spiritual satisfaction, focusing on two specific behavioral intentions: economically driven behavior and spiritually driven persuasive behavior. Results show that the primary motivator for plastic reduction is the decrease in individual expenses. Environmental values and policy regulations have become important influencing factors, which also promote behaviors regarding plastic reduction through economic savings. The study distinguishes between the impacts of environmental knowledge and skills, highlighting the necessity of practical skills for effective behavior change. Moreover, the study reveals the pivotal role of local attachment in encouraging plastic-reduction actions. The urban natural environment, particularly when characterized by accessible and well-maintained features, such as lakes and rivers, can foster residents’ appreciation for the environment, thereby motivating them to engage in plastic-reduction actions to attain personal spiritual satisfaction.
... As a first hypothesis, we posit that climate concerns and worries translate into preferences for less carbon-intensive energy sources (Hypothesis 1). Carbon emissions are likely to be the predominant factor in shaping an individual's willingness to endorse renewable energy sources or reduce one's reliance on fossil fuels (Bentsen et al., 2023;Peterson and Feldman, 2018;Poortinga et al., 2012;Seiler and Stalker, 2023a;Sim et al., 2023;Thomas et al., 2022). There is increasing evidence that climate concerns predict favorable views of renewable energy and opposition to oil and natural gas (Balžekienė and Budžytė, 2021;Hagen and Pijawka, 2015;Konisky et al., 2020;Lucas et al., 2022;Slattery et al., 2012;Swofford and Slattery, 2010;Tatchley et al., 2016). ...
Public perceptions of energy choices will play a major role in the energy transition. Climate-related emotions, particularly concerns and worries, influence these perceptions, as they signal a heightened awareness of climate risks and greater personal salience of climate change. Here we conduct a series of meta-analyses to estimate whether climate worries and concerns influence energy preferences (k = 233; N = 85,285; 36 countries). Our findings reveal that climate worries and concerns translate into support for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, and modest opposition to fossil fuels, particularly coal and gas. Climate worries and concerns are not associated with nuclear energy, albeit with a high degree of variance. Socio-demographic moderators, such as gender, education, and political orientation, did not influence these associations, while age and national energy supply attenuated these associations. These results suggest that climate concerns and worries translate into support for renewable energy, but not equal opposition to fossil fuels. More broadly, this meta-analysis underscores the role of climate-related emotions in shaping energy preferences, providing insights into the influence factors of energy policy support, the psychology of climate change, and climate change communication.
... Some studies find evidence of this theory, emphasizing that individual-level motivational factors like concerns about climate change and personal norms alter environmentally significant behaviors (Poortinga et al. 2012). Rees et al. (2015) also note that moral emotions, specifically guilty conscience, motivate pro-environmental behaviors. ...
Can moral appeals motivate individuals to choose less carbon-intensive diets? In a survey-embedded forced-choice conjoint experiment involving 1520 US respondents, we asked participants to compare two menus across six dimensions: (1) burger/sandwich patty type and its corresponding carbon footprint value, (2) calories, (3) protein, (4) price, (5) ingredient origin, and (6) farming method. Within each menu, the values for these dimensions varied randomly. Further, respondents were randomly assigned to three frames: a reference frame that highlighted the scientific rationale for pro-climate action, and treatment frames with a moral-secular and a moral-religious framing of pro-climate action. We found that moral appeals did not influence individuals to make low-carbon food choices. Across the entire sample, respondents tended to favor non-vegetarian options with higher carbon footprints. Those who prioritized taste were less inclined to choose the vegetarian menu. However, some subgroups did show a preference for the vegetarian menu, including women, those with pro-climate attitudes and prior exposure to a vegetarian diet, and those who considered the health impact of their food choices. In conclusion, it appears that moral appeals are unlikely to drive significant changes in individual food choices toward a more climate-friendly food system. Instead, dietary preferences are primarily shaped by individuals’ pre-existing climate attitudes and demographics.
... Moreover, the literature (Poortinga et al., 2012;Roos & Hahn, 2019) also suggests that economic development, social progress, and improved education will lead to more individuals with self-transcendent values who prefer green consumption behavior owing to altruistic preferences (Rong & Xu, 2022). The Korean manufacturer Lock & Lock produces a wide range of food containers and kitchenware, whose green collections are more expensive than the regular ones (Cole, 2023;Walk-Morris, 2023). ...
Enhancing new energy vehicle (NEV) market consumption is essential for a country to implement its manufacturing industry upgrading and ‘dual-carbon’ goals. While current literature has investigated consumer green purchasing intentions from the perspectives of rational preference and government subsidies, few studies have explored the effects of consumer self-transcendence values and institutional forces on electric vehicle purchasing intentions in the context of government subsidy withdrawal. This paper introduces self-transcendence values, builds a conceptual model based on TPB and the technology acceptance model, and empirically analyzes the influence of transcendence values on the purchase intention of Chinese domestic NEVs under subsidy withdrawal. The findings show that self-transcendent values influence the purchase intention of Chinese NEVs significantly and positively. The perceived usefulness of NEVs has a direct positive effect on behavioral attitudes. Behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control partly mediate the effect between transcendent values and purchase intention. Institutional forces positively regulate the relationship between behavioral attitudes, subjective norms, and purchase intention and negatively regulate the relationship between perceived behavioral control and purchase intention. Moreover, institutional forces positively regulate the mediating effect of behavioral attitudes, perceived behavioral control on transcendent values, and purchase intention of NEVs. According to the findings, automobile manufacturer firms can profit from the institutional forces under the government subsidy regression and cultivate consumers' preference intention for NEV consumption while propagating and guiding them regarding environmental awareness and altruistic values.
... These differences in individuals' value priorities are determined by the choices that individuals ultimately make. As a result of these choices, values influence behavior directly or indirectly through PN (Poortinga et al., 2012;Ruepert et al., 2016;van der Werff & Steg, 2015). Sometimes AV and environmentally friendly values can conflict in terms of priority (De Groot & Steg, 2007). ...
Sustainable water supply is one of the most important issues related to global climate change in Türkiye. The government, local authorities and universities have developed strategic action plans to raise public awareness about the sustainability of water supply. In this study, which was conducted in Çorum province in Türkiye in 2021 and 2022, the population of the study consisted of teachers who belong to the Ministry of National Education. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that influence teachers' sustainable water consumption behaviors (SWCB). Data were collected from 380 teachers. Within the framework of value belief norm theory, a structural equation model and path analysis were used to identify the factors that influence teachers' SWCB. According to the research results, the direct effects of biospheric–altruistic values, egoistic values and ascription of responsibility on personal norms and the indirect effects of egoistic values were also significant. Conclusion: in order to develop personal norms, which are the antecedents of SWCB, biospheric–altruistic values and egoistic values should first be included in the curriculum as part of values education. In this context, it is very important for sustainability to train teachers on water footprint to improve awareness of consequences and ascription of responsibility. As a result of this research, it can be said that biospheric–altruistic values orientation must be higher than egoistic values orientation to achieve sustainability, and both must have a significant impact on personal norms, which is crucial in terms of the three dimensions of sustainability.
... A tree plantation affects multiple generations: the decision is made today by the current generations, while future generations and rural populations may feel the impacts more strongly. In the literature on attitudes to climate change and mitigation policies, studies have more typically focused on other socio-economic factors than age, political or value orientations or cross-country/geographical differences (Poortinga et al. 2012(Poortinga et al. , 2019McCright et al. 2016;Marquart-Pyatt et al. 2019;Weckroth and Ala-Mantila 2022). However, the evolving nature of public preferences, e.g. ...
Afforestation and reforestation are considered important measures for climate change mitigation. Because the land area available for tree planting may serve multiple purposes, striking the right balance between climate goals and other objectives is crucial. We conducted a survey of the Norwegian population to investigate potential land-use conflicts that may arise from executing a large-scale afforestation programme. Respondents were presented with three land-use alternatives to replace formerly grazed agricultural land. We used manipulated landscape photos to elicit their underlying value orientations. We combined multiple correspondence analysis with latent class regression models to reveal preference heterogeneity. Our models grouped respondents into three latent classes, with 24%, 24% and 52%, respectively, expressing a preference for forest carbon sequestration, recreation or agriculture as the most crucial land-use function to be retained. Birth year emerged as a strong predictor of class membership. Specifically, generations born before 1970 were more inclined to support the continuation of agricultural landscapes, while those born in 1980 and later showed a stronger inclination towards natural forest succession for carbon sequestration or recreational purposes. Quantitatively, every 10-year reduction in age increased the odds of a respondent belonging to the forestation or recreation class (relative to the agricultural class) by a factor of 2. Interestingly, even among respondents who were classified as most climate concerned, natural forests were 50% more likely to be preferred over monoculture spruce plantation as a policy option. This suggests that there may be public resistance to spruce planting for climate mitigation purposes in Norway.
... An intersectional analysis of the preferred energy mixes provides more nuanced findings and a better understanding of the interconnectedness between energy transitions and power. The results are generally consistent with previous studies: climate change concerns, political orientation, and socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics have an influence on individuals' energy preferences (Perlaviciute and Steg 2014;Poortinga et al. 2012). Moreover, we found that there is generally a high acceptance of renewable energy. ...
To mitigate global climate change, drastic transformations of the energy system are needed. Whereas the public is asked to adapt its energy demand patterns, their perspective is often neglected. In this study, we incorporated a more human-centered dimension into energy research by examining how social characteristics determine the composition of individuals’ preferred energy mix. Previous studies have been mainly limited to the exploration of preferences for one energy system in isolation. Hence, little is known about how various energy sources are combined into various energy mixes. Furthermore, empirical research regarding the heterogeneity of energy preferences often lacks an intersectional approach. Against this background, we used Belgian data from the European Social Survey (N = 1766) to examine the diversity of preferred energy mixes among individuals and how this relates to social characteristics. Specifically, a segmentation analysis was conducted to cluster Belgian respondents into intersectional, meaningful groups related to their preferred energy mixes. The results of the segmentation analysis underpin the existence of vulnerable and privileged groups in the establishment of a green transition. This study highlights the importance of focusing on energy mixes from an intersectional stance, as it provides an excellent tool to uncover the power dynamics underlying an energy transition.
... According to the Pew Research Center (2019), in 13 of 26 countries, people see it even as a top threat for their country. While there are psychological barriers that prevent individual engagement against climate change (e.g., see Gifford, 2011), there is evidence that the concerns about the impacts of climate change are a strong predictor for the acceptance of climate change mitigation and adaption programs (Poortinga et al., 2012;Tjernström and Tietenberg, 2008). If someone is not concerned about the consequences of climate change or even does not believe in it, he certainly will not take or support action against it. ...
The extent and complexity of climate change can hardly be described in a few words. However, for a large part of the scientific community, one thing is certain: the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly. Yet, we are still emitting too much compared to the economically optimal path. This thesis studies the political economy of climate change and contains three essays to understand this so-called emission gap. Each chapter covers different parts of the political economy of climate change. In Chapter 2, we study the influence of migration on mitigation from a political economy perspective. We find a problematic mechanism that may lead to a socially inefficient mitigation level and a trapped population. Chapter 3 investigates the political economy of the German Climate Package and the commuting allowance. In contrast to Chapter 2, in Chapter 3, we identify a mechanism that allows the government to implement a higher mitigation level in the form of a carbon tax in the transport sector. Finally, in Chapter 4, we study the influence of weather on climate change concerns. One may ask how this is related to the political economy of climate change. However, we argue that climate change concerns can be seen as a proxy for the support of protection measures. If someone is very concerned about the consequences of climate change, it is more likely that he will support stricter climate protection laws. Compared to Chapters 2 and 3, where we use a partial equilibrium model within a political economy framework, in Chapter 4, we use German survey data to examine this question empirically.
... Enhancing farmer education levels can also boost the possibility of them adopting environmentally friendly green production technologies (Burton, 2014). However, many scholars believe that the effects of non-administrative interventions such as propagandizing, training, and subsidies are not obvious Poortinga et al., 2012) and incur high costs (Feng et al., 2013). Therefore, mandatory environmental regulations or administrative interventions may be more effective for boosting adoption behavior of green production and environmental improvement (Qiu et al., 2012;Zheng et al., 2014). ...
The conflict between agricultural production and environmental protection, especially vegetable production, is one of the world’s most prominent concerns. The acceptance degree and possible response of new agricultural operation subjects, represented by Farmers Professional Cooperatives (FPCs), to green production policies are a core issue that must be considered when designing environmental policies in the future. Based on field survey data of 192 FPCs of vegetables in Shanghai, China, this paper uses a choice experiment method to test the willingness of cooperatives to adopt green production behaviors under different policy settings and to identify the differences under different operation scales. The results show that both mandatory policies and incentive policies have an impact on the willingness of cooperatives to adopt green production behaviors, but significant differences exist among FPCs of different operation scales. Specifically, the willingness of large-scale FPCs to adopt green production behavior is affected by key technology training and income subsidies, whereas the willingness of small-scale FPCs is only affected by income subsidies; the willingness of medium-scale FPCs is simultaneously affected by key technology training, income subsidies, and penalties. Therefore, when formulating relevant policies in the future, policy-makers should consider local conditions, including the endowment heterogeneity of the production and operation subjects, so as to enhance the level of green production.
... Availability, affordability, efficiency, and acceptability ensure energy security, likely to impact energy conservation positively. According to Poortinga et al. (2012), energy security concerns motivate individuals to avoid those practices prone to high carbon emissions. Nevertheless, beliefs and attitudes must be aligned with energy conservation behaviors. ...
Policymakers in developing countries like Pakistan mostly ignore the behavioral aspects of climate change mitigation, whereas literature is also deficient in advocating evidence-based mitigation strategies. This study aims to analyze the impact of personality traits, social norms, and attitudes on energy conservation behavior. Face-to-face interviews of 361 households are conducted in the capital city of Pakistan using random sampling. According to the characteristics of the data, the ordered logistic regression model is applied. The results reveal that education and gender do not contribute significantly toward energy conservation. In contrast, the behavior is more influenced by convenient lifestyle, the number of vehicles, distance of residence from the workplace, income, perception of energy security, and availability of transport. Furthermore, knowledge about sustainability and age is also critical to influencing energy conservation behavior. Therefore, the study recommends using different mediums to enhance the knowledge base of households about energy conservation and environmental sustainability, aligning the urban planning in view of location choices and use of public transport.
... Based on the conceptual framework of Porter and Van der Linde (1995) and Goodhue et al. (2010), ER can be divided into three types of regulations: guiding, incentivizing, and binding (Poortinga et al., 2012). In terms of guiding regulations, the government conducts publicity and educates people about environmental protection and governance. ...
With rapid economic development and tremendous population growth, emerging economies are facing huge pressure to conserve energy and reduce emissions. Although governmental authorities have formulated numerous relevant policies, a considerable number of farmers have yet to actively take energy-saving measures. Consequently, it is imperative to investigate how institutions (i.e., environmental regulations and informal institutions) affect the clean energy utilization behaviors (CEUBs) of farmers (e.g., biomass energy, natural gas, and solar energy) for better aligning governance strategies. Drawing on institutional theory, we explore the underlying influencing mechanisms of the institutional constraints on farmers’ CEUBs using survey data collected from Central China. The double hurdle model results reveal that both environmental regulations (e.g., incentivizing regulations, binding regulations) and informal institutions (e.g., value orientation) have positive impacts on farmers’ adoption of CEUBs. Informal institutions were found to have stronger influences on farmers’ CEUBs than formal regulations. Interestingly, the interactions between two institutional constraints primarily have substitutionary effects on the natural gas and solar energy using behaviors of farmers. The interaction effects of the two institutional constraints on biomass energy using behavior are complementary. Consequently, this study sheds new light on guiding farmer CEUBs and better aligning formal and informal energy strategies.
... Altruistic and biospheric motivations are summarized as self-transcendent purchasing motives, whereas hedonic and egoistic motivations are summarized as selfenhancement purchasing motives [48]. The VBN theory proves to be particularly suitable for explaining basic behavioural change in relation to more environmentally friendly behaviour, which includes individual shopping behaviour [47,49,50]. Similar theoretical approaches have already been used in other studies on sustainable purchasing behaviours in the food sector [51][52][53]. ...
Agrobiodiversity is the foundation of our ecosystems and food supply. However, agrobiodiversity is declining rapidly. A prominent strategy to safeguard endangered varieties, an important component of agrobiodiversity, is their cultivation and preservation in their natural environments. In order to make the cultivation of these varieties attractive to farmers, a functioning value chain and communication concepts for these goods have to be developed. Using heirloom vegetable varieties as an example, we examine existing communication approaches for endangered varieties and evaluate their suitability to transport their added value to organic consumers. We furthermore examine organic consumers’ purchasing motives to buy heirloom vegetable varieties. We collected data in three focus group discussions in Berlin (Germany) in 2018. This exploratory study shows that existing communication approaches for heirloom vegetable varieties strongly appeal to altruistic and biospheric purchasing motives. However, our results suggest that egoistic and hedonic purchasing motives are just as important to organic consumers. Hence, existing communication approaches for heirloom vegetable varieties, including the “Red List of Endangered Local Crops”, are not entirely suitable to communicate the added value of biodiversity-enhancing products to consumers. Based on these results, we will develop a holistic communication scheme for heirloom vegetable varieties for organic supermarkets and further distribution channels in Germany.
... Moreover, a closer physical distance of economic activities is conducive to the centralized control of pollution, which makes the phenomenon of centralized treatment of pollution spontaneously produce a scale effect and reduces the pollution control cost of a single economic entity Bo and Jianfeng, 2015 ). At the microlevel, as urbanization will increase the per capita income of residents, the requirements of residents on urban environmental quality will also increase accordingly , which will force the government to increase investment in environmental governance, improve the level of environmental regulation ( Poortinga et al., 2012 ), and encourage enterprises to develop and use pollution control technology for cleaner production ( Buehn and Farzanegan, 2013 ). ...
With the continuous expansion of the city scale and the continuous deepening of the innovation-driven concept, an innovative city pilot program, as a momentous spatial measure of the national innovation strategy, is of great significance for China's transformation to an innovative economy. Based on the Malmquist-Luenberger index, this paper estimates the ecological efficiency of 270 prefecture-level cities in China from 2005 to 2016. At the same time, the difference in differences (DID) method is applied to test the net effect of innovative city pilots on urban ecological efficiency, and the mediating effect model is used to analyze the transmission mechanism of innovative city pilots on ecological efficiency. The empirical results show that (1) innovative city construction is conducive to improving ecological efficiency. The validity of the conclusion is proven after a series of robustness tests, such as placebo test and propensity score matching and difference models (PSM-DID). (2) The heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the pilot policy has a more significant effect on improving ecological efficiency in cities with higher education expenditure, science and technology investment and human capital. (3) The mechanism test results indicate that innovative city pilots can have a positive impact on urban ecological efficiency through technological innovation, adjusting the industrial structure and giving full play to the direct intervention effect of the government. Accordingly, this paper argues that the pilot scope of innovative cities can be further expanded. To promote the improvement of urban ecological efficiency, the circular accumulation of knowledge and technology and the construction of a green and innovative development atmosphere need to be considered.
... Stern 2000; Steg and de Groot 2010;Weber 2016). Previous research also suggests that a sense of personal obligation is associated with support for climate and energy policies and personal actions (Steg and de Groot 2010;Poortinga et al. 2012;Hagen, Middal, and Pijawka 2016). ...
There are differences across Europe in elements of climate citizenship, including climate concern, perceived responsibility, and willingness to support and take climate action. This paper examines how individual-level climate perceptions correspond to a country's contribution to climate change and its ability to develop climate policies. Data from the European Social Survey Round 8 (23 European countries, n = 44,387) was used to explore how national-level factors (affluence as per capita GDP, carbon emissions as per capita CO2 emissions, and democracy as electoral democracy index) are related to individual-level climate perceptions (climate concern, perceived climate responsibility, climate policy support, and personal climate action). The analysis shows that the studied individual-level perceptions are all linked, and that perceived climate responsibility is a factor that helps in understanding how individual-level climate views are connected. Further, national-level affluence and democracy are connected to stronger individual-level perceptions both directly and through mediating their connections. Our results suggest that achieving ambitious climate policy targets in Europe could benefit from focusing on the role of perceived climate responsibility in boosting policy support and action. Moreover, the connection between national-level (democratic and economic) factors and public climate perceptions emphasises the need to place climate policies in a wider context.
... Homes are where people have created their own personal environments and hence form part of their identities, but also where behaviours are likely to affect carbon emissions (e.g. the residential sector contributed 18% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions in 2018, BEIS 2019) and climate impacts may put private lives at risk (Jarnkvist 2019). The home therefore presents significant opportunities for reducing emissions; however, individuals need to become better engaged with the 'why' and 'how' they can change, in order to make drastic changes in behaviours and lifestyles (Poortinga et al. 2012). There is moreover a broad assumption that the implementation of technologies, such as smart metering, in the home can act as a positive intervention on the behaviour of home owners and consumers of domestic energy, known as, the 'techno-rational paradigm' (Guy and Shove 2000). ...
Perceptions of climate change and associated risks are complex and require greater consideration of the context in which behaviours are formed and changed. People tend to create their own stories of climate change providing an opportunity to capture personal experiences and frame solutions accordingly through narratives. Engagement with the issue can be further enhanced when using topics that resonate with individuals, especially through place attachments and local interests. Positioning climate change around communities, cities, homes and the countryside, for example, resonates with certain audiences as action at these scales provides useful narratives through which to engage audiences and increase positive associations with resilient and low-carbon futures. Nevertheless, we show how engagement with these narratives is complex and may overlap or contest in some cases. We present findings from thirty semi-structured interviews conducted with academic, policy and practitioner communities in the United Kingdom (UK) which explored what sub-themes could be utilised to engage audiences on climate change through narratives focused around cities, the countryside, communities and the home. We identify 10 sub-themes ranging from technological change (homes), connecting people (communities), alternative infrastructures (countryside) and positive visions of identity (cities). In search of a coherent coalition of diverse interests in shaping climate change action, we discuss two cross-cutting themes on technology and social norms which emerge strongly across each of the sub-themes.
... Subsequently, (Poortinga et al. 2012) emphasised the importance of individual motivational factors that influence the development of supply and demand strategies to reduce emissions. Here, an adapted version of widely accepted 'Value-Belief-Norm' model was used, while the key constructs were traditional values, overcoming person fears, identification with nature, concern about climate change, concerns about energy security, personal norms, activities on the demand side that user agrees to, and eventually, technology provision from the supply side. ...
The structure of this paper builds upon current knowledge in the area of energy use and the necessity to develop a holistic conceptual framework as a guide for a variety of energy-related behavior analyses. This research is based on a systematic overview of scientific literature with a focus on energy-related behavior. The main objective of this research was to identify factors affecting energy consumption and energy conservation patterns among users, as well as to reveal energy-related behavior presence in the scientific literature. The contribution of this paper comes from the new observation perspective with a unified and integrated framework of factors affecting energy-related user behavior. Therefore, the framework proposed in this paper combines relevant factors to achieve significant conclusions based on an analytical approach in terms of psychological and energy technology point of view. Lastly, the influencing factors were categorised into four main categories, namely socio-demographic, situational, and individual factors as well as previous experience.
... Specifically, the VBN theory proposes that when a situation threatens an abstract goal that is an important guideline in the life of someone personally (i.e., values), and an individual has the feeling that this threat is caused and can be relieved by their actions, this individual is likely to feel a personal responsibility to take these actions (Stern, 2012), which according to the VBN and NAM prompts individuals to take personal actions to mitigate the threat. This general process is widely supported across studies, countries and domains, including the environmental domain (Fornara et al., 2016;Hiratsuka et al., 2018;Jakovcevic and Steg, 2013;Nordlund et al., 2016;Poortinga et al., 2012;e.g., Steg et al., 2005;Ünal et al., 2019). ...
The IPCC’s report on Global Warming of 1.5°C positioned climate change as one of the most worrying issues mankind has ever faced. Although many people worry about climate change, there is still much unknown about the origins and outcomes of worry about climate change; particularly, whether and how it can motivate specific and personal climate actions. The current paper investigates this critical relationship with data from the European Social Survey Round 8 (44,387 respondents from 23 countries). As expected, the more individuals worried about climate change, the more likely they were to take and support climate action. Yet, the process through which this association occurred differed between actions. Specifically, worry was both directly and indirectly, via feelings of personal responsibility to reduce climate change, associated with climate policy support; whereas worry was mostly indirectly associated with personal climate mitigation behaviours, via personal responsibility. In addition, worry about climate change appears partly rooted in biospheric values (i.e., caring about nature and the environment), and biospheric values were also clearly, directly and positively related to personal climate mitigation behaviours. The relationships were highly consistent across countries but varied somewhat in size. The results show how generic feelings about climate change can directly and indirectly affect both climate policy support and personal climate mitigation behaviours, thereby providing critical insights for science and policy making.
... This awareness (see Fig. 5) shapes our norms and the acceptability in both supply-side technologies and demand-side measures (i.e. behaviour), as illustrated by the Value-Belief-Norm model [36]. Awareness has been highlighted significantly in the literature review as a critical influencing factor and incorporated into scenarios [29] (see Fig. 6). ...
Recent studies show that lifestyle changes can provide an essential contribution to achieving the Paris climate targets. While some efforts have been made to incorporate lifestyle changes into model-based scenarios, the attempts are currently very stylised and included exogenously. This paper discusses current efforts to represent lifestyle change in models, and analyses potential insights from relevant scientific disciplines to improve the representation of lifestyle changes in models – including modelling specific behaviour changes, identifying cross-cutting lifestyle solutions, representing the intentions behind the changes and quantifying their impacts. As such, this research attempts to bridge the gap between qualitative and quantitative theories and methodologies. Based on the results of this literature analysis, we recommend defining lifestyle changes more harmoniously, exploring an expanded range of approaches, domains and transformative solutions, adopting a whole-systems approach, and addressing the trade-offs between the use of exogenous inputs and endogenous modelling. Keywords: Integrated assessment, Sustainable lifestyles, Behaviour change, Scenarios, Mitigation
... Most studies that employ the pro-environmental behavior model to examine climate change apply the model to the behavioral intentions of pro-environmental behavior (Lin 2013;de Leeuw et al. 2015), energy conservation and carbon reduction behavior (Poortinga et al. 2012;Sahin 2013), energysaving measures in the transportation sector (Jakovcevic and Steg 2013), and the use of renewable energy (Fornara et al. 2016). Few studies have applied the model to the proenvironmental behavior of risk financing (Lo 2013), such as whether flood insurance can mitigate disasters or stimulate households to implement preventive measures (Kleindorfer and Kunreuther 1999;Kunreuther 2006). ...
Today’s climate change is a major problem and challenge for the global environment and human civilization, and it can lead to dramatical floods over specific regions. As climate change intensifies, climate change adaptation strategies, such as flood insurance, energy taxes, and other risky financial strategies, have drawn worldwide attention and discussion. Risk control methods have been widely used to mitigate the impact of climate change on past flood losses, but past risk control strategies on climate change have not focused on the exploration of the relationship between environment, society, and humans. Based on the theoretical model of pro-environmental behavior, this study compares and analyzes four theoretical models and proposes a modified competitiveness model to effectively predict the pro-environmental behavior of college students with partial least squares (PLS) manner. Social norm could play a dominant role of mediator between risk perception, place attachment, and pro-environmental behavior. Although risk perception and local attachment are positively related to risk financial strategy, the promotion of social norms will increase the intention of risk financial strategy. For intention of risk financial strategies within pro-environmental behavior, the efficiency of enhancing local attachment was higher than that of risk perception.
... Pro-environmental behavior is essential both within urban and rural settings. In the United Kingdom for example, 40% of carbon emissions are attributed to household and transport behavior (Gatersleben et al., 2010;Fudge and Peters, 2011;Poortinga et al., 2012). Similarly, agricultural practices are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions (Fleming and Vanclay, 2011). ...
People variably respond to global change in their beliefs, behaviors, and grief (associated with losses incurred). People that are less likely to believe in climate change, adopt pro-environmental behaviors, or report ecological grief are assumed to have different psycho-cultural orientations, and do not perceive changes in environmental condition or any impact upon themselves. We test these assumptions within the context of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), a region currently experiencing significant climate change impacts in the form of coral reef bleaching and increasingly severe cyclones. We develop knowledge of environmental cultural services with the Environmental Schwartz Value Survey (ESVS) into four human value orientations that can explain individuals’ environmental beliefs and behaviors: biospheric (i.e., concern for environment), altruistic (i.e., concern for others, and intrinsic values), egoistic (i.e., concern for personal resources) and hedonic values (i.e., concern for pleasure, comfort, esthetic, and spirituality). Using face-to-face quantitative survey techniques, where 1,934 residents were asked to agree or disagree with a range of statements on a scale of 1–10, we investigate people’s (i) environmental values and value orientations, (ii) perceptions of environmental condition, and (iii) perceptions of impact on self. We show how they relate to the following climate change responses; (i) beliefs at a global and local scale, (ii) participation in pro-environmental behaviors, and (iii) levels of grief associated with ecological change, as measured by respective single survey questions. Results suggest that biospheric and altruistic values influenced all climate change responses. Egoistic values were only influential on grief responses. Perception of environmental change was important in influencing beliefs and grief, and perceptions of impact on self were only important in influencing beliefs. These results suggest that environmental managers could use people’s environmental value orientations to more effectively influence climate change responses toward environmental stewardship and sustainability. Communications that target or encourage altruism (through understanding and empathy), biospherism (through information on climate change impacts on the environment), and egoism (through emphasizing the benefits, health and wellbeing derived from a natural resource in good condition), could work.
... Baiocchi et al. (2010) pointed out that the emissions are positively correlated with the income standard and negatively correlated with education. These individuals need to make drastic changes to their current lifestyle, and accept new low carbon technologies in order to decarbonize the energy they consume (Poortinga et al. 2012). Kim Donyun (2013) investigated the amount of CO 2 emissions and pollution sources in 31 cities and counties of Gyeonggi-do province through a regression analysis. ...
Climate change calls for worldwide public concern and effort to cut down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and globally realize sustainable development. As one of the largest energy consumers, the construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving the national carbon emission reduction goal. This paper, by employing an improved Kaya model, explored the relationships and trends among carbon emission, energy consumption, and GDP growth rate and carbon emission intensity of the Chinese construction industry. Results showed that the carbon emission of the construction industry is mainly affected by GDP growth of construction scale. The energy consumption was the main driver to the increase of carbon emissions. The carbon emissions of unit area and carbon intensity showed a decreased trend with the development of economy and the increase of construction scale. The dependence of construction activities on the fossil fuel remained despite noticeable decrease. Energy intensity helps to reduce construction carbon emissions. Low carbon economy development of construction industry calls for technological innovation, alternative energy and new technical support for further breakthrough. These findings provide scientific evidence of carbon emissions in the Chinese construction industry and useful inputs for industry-specific emission regulations.
... Furthermore, people engage with energy issues in a multitude of ways, using different sets of values and concerns. We therefore might expect concerns about energy and environmental issues to be differently determined 27 . For these reasons, we use a more focused conceptualization of energy security, building on the International Energy Agency (IEA) definition of energy security as the "uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price" 1 . ...
Energy security is an important policy goal for most countries. Here, we show that cross-country differences in concern about energy security across Israel and 22 countries in Europe are explained by energy-specific and general national contextual indicators, over-and-above individual-level factors that reflect population demographics. Specifically, public concerns about import dependency and affordability reflect the specific energy context within countries, such as dependency on energy imports and electricity costs, while higher concerns about the affordability, vulnerability and reliability of energy are associated with higher fossil fuel consumption. More general national context beyond energy also appears to matter; energy security concerns are higher in countries that are doing less well in terms of economic and human well-being. These findings indicate that wider energy, social and economic context influence people’s feelings of vulnerability and sense of security, which may inform the development of effective energy security strategies that assuage public concerns. © 2018, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.
... Consumption-based national CH 4 emissions, which represent the embodied CH 4 emissions or CH 4 footprint, encompass those emissions from domestic final consumption and those emissions related to the production of its imports in the exporting countries. Key advantages of CBA method include but not limited to incorporating embodied emissions, extending emission mitigation options, covering more global emissions through increased participation, and inherently encompassing policies such as the Clean Development Mechanism (Fan et al., 2016;IPCC, 2014;Peters, 2008;Poortinga et al., 2012). Therefore, it is essential to understand global anthropogenic CH 4 emissions from a consumption perspective and quantify consumption-based CH 4 inventories. ...
Global anthropogenic CH4 emissions have witnessed a rapid increase in the last decade. However, how this increase is connected with its socioeconomic drivers has not yet been explored. In this paper, we highlight the impacts of final demand and international trade on global anthropogenic CH4 emissions based on the consumption-based accounting principle. We find that household consumption was the largest final demand category, followed by fixed capital formation and government consumption. The position and function of nations and major economies to act on the structure and spatial patterns of global CH4 emissions were systematically clarified. Substantial geographic shifts of CH4 emissions during 2000–2012 revealed the prominent impact of international trade. In 2012, about half of global CH4 emissions were embodied in international trade, of which 77.8% were from intermediate trade and 22.2% from final trade. Mainland China was the largest exporter of embodied CH4 emissions, while the United States was the largest importer. Developed economies such as Western Europe, the United States, and Japan were major net receivers of embodied emission transfer, mainly from developing countries. CH4 emission footprints of nations were closely related to their human development indexes and per capita gross domestic products. Our findings could help to improve current understanding of global anthropogenic CH4 emission increases and to pinpoint regional and sectoral hotspots for possible emission mitigation in the entire supply chains from production to consumption.
... Measures associated with increased effort or decreased comfort [39]. ...
Domestic energy use accounts for more than a quarter of total energy use in the United Kingdom (UK), with space and water heating accounting for almost 80% of this consumption. Energy efficiency is often the simplest andmost cost-effectiveway of reducing energy use, and improving domestic energy efficiency can contribute significantly to reducing the UK's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A significant proportion of the UK's energy stock remains inefficient, and over 80% of current housing stock will still be standing in 2050. Therefore, retrofitting existing buildings is fundamental to achieving energy efficiency improvements in the domestic sector. In order to reduce carbon emissions and improve domestic energy efficiency, the UK government launched the Green Deal in 2013 to improve the energy efficiency in buildings in the UK, reduce emissions fromhomes by 29%, and helpmeet carbon reduction targets. It aimed to overcome existing perceived barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency measures in the home and enable households and businesses to make energy-saving improvements to their properties, delivering a range of important benefits to the owner/occupier as a result. This paper critically assesses the impact of the Green Deal in shaping pro-environmental behaviours by drawing on two case studies. Lessons learnt from the UK's Green Deal energy policy are presented, and implications for the UK government's role in shaping energy policy and pro-environmental behaviours are considered.
... Specifically, and in contrast to the observation that support was related to age and education, gender failed to predict significant amounts of variance in the overall regression with policy support as the dependent variable (see Table 3). This finding suggests that -at least when considering the policies and countries analysed in this study -caution is warranted on whether gender represents a relevant characteristic for explaining individual preparedness to act upon climate change; a view that is in accordance with other research in which gender effects did not generalize across different policy domains (Poortinga et al. 2012). Finally, individuals who placed themselves to the political left were more likely to support climate policies than those placing themselves to the political right. ...
This paper examines consequence evaluations and moral concerns about climate change across four European countries. Data from nationally representative samples (each n > 1000) were analysed in order to explore the relative importance of consequences versus morality in explaining public support for different climate policies. Most respondents expected climate change to have largely negative consequences for their respective country. Climate change consequences were viewed most negatively in Germany, followed by France, the U.K. and Norway. While the vast majority of respondents expressed at least some degree of moral concern about climate change, a notable minority in each sample stated that they have no such concerns. Moral concerns were highest in France, followed by the U.K. and Norway, and lowest in Germany. It was found that both judgements explain support for policies that aim to mitigate climate change or aim to adapt to the impacts of climate change. However, our results further suggest that moral concern was a stronger predictor of policy support than consequence evaluations. If at all, consequence evaluations were more likely to predict policy support in Germany and Norway than in the U.K. and France. Overall, policies that involved subsidies received the strongest support, whereas policies involving individual costs received the least support. This research broadens our understanding of the intertwining between risk perceptions and public support for climate policies, documenting variability across and within countries. Implications for policy-makers with an interest in communicating climate change risks to the broader public audience are discussed.
The global carbon budget to keep warming within 1.5° is being rapidly depleted, and demand-side measures are crucial to meet mitigation targets. Although the Nordic countries are regarded as having strong environmental policies, per capita consumption-based carbon footprints are high. The effect of climate concern and other pro-environmental attitudes on pro-environmental behaviour has been extensively studied, but the relationship between climate concern and consumption-based carbon footprints is largely unknown. Using responses from around 8000 Nordic participants of an online carbon footprint calculator survey, carbon footprints were investigated at different levels of climate concern, across consumption domains, and across the five Nordic countries. Although participants with high climate concern had carbon footprints between 1.5–2 tons lower than those with low concern, the overall footprints were well above the global average, and 2–3x higher than the level compatible with 1.5° warming.
Broad political support for socio-ecological transformation
is needed in the face of the climate crisis. This study investigates non-activist public pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in the form
of (a) support of radical climate policies, (b) sympathies, and (c) voting intentions for a newly founded climate party in Germany (Klimaliste) in relation to socio-demographics (age, gender, income,
and education level), environmental and social psychological predictors (personal norm, environmental identity, collective efficacy beliefs, and political orientation) as well as affective predictors
(fear, anger, guilt, and positive affect). Stepwise multiple regression analyses with data from an online survey (N = 622) showed significant influence of female gender and personal norm on all three types of non-activist public PEB. Furthermore, support of radical climate politics was predicted by an economically social and societally progressive political orientation, while Klimaliste sympathies were related to an economically social political orientation. Moreover, negative affect, consisting of fear, anger, and
guilt, could explain variance beyond the sociodemographic,
environmental and social psychological variables in all three types of non-activist public PEB. Additionally, party political attitudes were relevant, with Green Party sympathisers expressing strongest support. The results provide initial starting points to promote support for radical climate policies and advance sustainability transitions.
Eine breite politische Unterstützung für einen sozio-ökologischen Wandel ist im Angesicht der Klimakrise nötig. Nicht-aktivistisches öffentliches Umweltverhalten in Form von (a) Zustimmung
zu radikaler Klimapolitik, (b) Sympathien und (c) Wahlintentionen für eine neu gegründete Klimaschutz-Partei in Deutschland (Klimaliste)
wurde durch soziodemographische (Alter, Geschlecht, Einkommen und Bildungsgrad), umwelt- und sozialpsychologische (persönliche
Norm, Umweltidentität, kollektive Wirksamkeitserwartungen und politische Orientierung) sowie affektive Prädiktoren (Angst, Ärger, Schuld und positiver Affekt) vorhergesagt. Schrittweise multiple Regressionsanalysen mit Daten einer Online-Befragung (N = 622) zeigten einen signifikanten Einfluss von weiblichem Geschlecht
und umweltbezogener persönlicher Norm auf alle drei Formen nicht-aktivistischen öffentlichen Umweltverhaltens. Die Zustimmung zu radikaler Klimapolitik wurde zudem durch eine wirtschaftlich soziale sowie gesellschaftlich progressive politische Orientierung vorhergesagt, Sympathien für die Klimaliste wiesen Zusammenhänge
zu einer wirtschaftlich sozialen politischen Orientierung auf. Negativer Affekt, der sich aus Angst, Ärger und Schuld zusammensetzte, konnte über die soziodemografischen sowie
sozial- und umweltpsychologischen Variablen hinaus Varianz in allen drei Formen nicht-aktivistischen öffentlichen Umweltverhaltens erklären. Des Weiteren erwiesen sich parteipolitische Einstellungen als relevant, wobei Grünen-Sympathisant*innen die stärkste Befürwortung der Klimaliste äußerten. Die Ergebnisse liefern erste
Ansatzpunkte für die Praxis, um die gesellschaftliche Unterstützung radikaler Klimapolitik zu fördern und somit einen nachhaltigen Wandel
voranzutreiben.
It is widely accepted that the burning of fossil fuels is a major contributor to climate change. Our question is: How are the related extraction and distribution activities viewed in Canada? This article analyzes Canadian public opinion data on five supply-side energy policies: expanding the oil sands, drilling for oil in the Arctic, fracking, expanding an oil pipeline, and shipping oil by rail. It applies social psychological models to identify factors associated with support for and opposition to these policies. Climate change attitudes have typically been found to be significant predictors of climate policy support. Instead, this study finds that having an ecological worldview is a strong predictor for each of the policies. This suggests that these policies are seen as having an effect on the environment but less so as affecting climate change. Contextual factors, such as region of residence and political orientation, are relevant predictors, suggesting that framing by political parties, industry, and social movement organizations has had a significant effect on support and opposition.
Over the past decade, solar system analyses have expanded globally as many communities have adopted solar water heater (SWH) due to environmental concerns and decreasing technology development costs. The deployment of SWHs in the residential sector is significantly influenced by households' bounded rational choices, which rely on a wide range of heterogeneous behavioural predictors. This study aims to enhance the current comprehension of decision-making process regarding the residential SWHs adoption by identifying predictors with significant impacts on the diffusion of these systems. A systematic review of relevant academic databases was conducted, and variables from the 101 selected articles were classified into two categories: sociodemographic and individual factors. The characteristics and prevalence of identified predictors were examined within a coherent framework to provide a comprehensive visualisation of the findings from previous studies. The relationships between predictors and adoption decisions were then explored by analysing 82 of the 101 initially selected articles. The review outcome revealed 121 predictors (58 sociodemographic and 63 individual) grouped into 10 categories. The “demographic” and “environmental values” emerged as the most influential predictors in residential decision-making. An examination of the associations between predictors and adoption decisions revealed that “income” along with “education” had a significant positive influence on domestic SWH acceptance. Moreover, individual predictors such as “environmental concerns” and “emission reduction” played a crucial role in system adoption. Identifying key factors and their intertwined relationships can inform policymakers and industry stakeholders in designing more targeted and effective incentive policies to promote solar systems and renewable energy technologies.
Climate change caused by carbon emissions is a concern for many countries. As the world's largest carbon emitter, China's construction industry generates substantial carbon emissions. However, previous research has primarily focused on promoting low-carbon building products or calculating carbon emissions to propose low-carbon transition measures. There has been limited research on low-carbon transitions in the construction industry from an industry system perspective. This study aimed to identify the driving factors and their interrelationships for low-carbon transitions in the construction industry. A multi-level perspective (MLP) was presented as a heuristic structure to analyze driving factors. An integrated interpretative structural model (ISM) and cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) technique was adopted to explore the interactions among factors. The results demonstrate that a six-level hierarchy of 22 drivers was constructed, and relationship degrees between the factors were discovered. The strongest drivers were low-carbon legal regulation, followed by industrial structure and organizational characteristics connected to industrial development. Improving these fundamental factors will increase the probability of successful transitions. The results also demonstrate that transitions are a collaborative process that involves multiple stakeholders. These findings can provide suggestions for low-carbon practices in the construction industry.
As the negative environmental impacts of cities continue to grow, citizens must be involved in climate change mitigation initiatives. A range of policy instruments can be used by municipal policy makers to encourage citizens to engage in environmentally responsible behaviours. Information and communications technology (ICT) is an important lever for changing individuals' behaviours and thus is increasingly found among the policy approaches adopted by cities. This research focuses on cities' use of ICT-enabled persuasion. Combining the unimodel of persuasion with the persuasive system design framework, the research develops and tests a theoretical model explaining how dimensions of the user context (green identity, goal intention) and technology context (integration support) influence the persuasiveness of city-sponsored applications with respect to environmentally responsible behaviours performed in the home and community. A survey of 203 individuals in North America shows that goal intention and integration support provided by the applications significantly influence perceived persuasion effectiveness for environmentally responsible behaviours at home. For environmentally responsible behaviours in the community, all three independent variables have a positive influence on the perceived persuasion effectiveness. The research extends the digital government literature by investigating an emerging policy intervention and providing a novel theoretical explanation of how elements within an ICT-enabled persuasion event come together to affect individuals' behaviours. Furthermore, the research provides municipal policy makers with new insights into how to design an ICT-enabled policy instrument for encouraging greater environmental citizenship.
This article focuses on energy law’s contribution to the energy transition and to research on that transition. It is well known that law plays a pivotal role in governing the energy sector and has fundamental implications for the pursuit of the low-carbon transition. Despite this fact, law often remains confined within its silo, inaccessible to non-lawyers due to its distinctive methodological characteristics and internal jargon. This article aims to initiate an accessible dialogue between energy law and other energy-focused disciplines. It first explains how energy law, as a legal discipline, should be understood in this context and what that implies for energy law as a system of governance. It then explores the interface between energy law and other disciplines in which research into the energy transition is carried out. The article identifies and evaluates the roles of energy law in the energy transition, concluding with a summary of the implications of the role of energy law for the energy transition and for energy research.
Worldwide, energy use in buildings with the same function differed by a factor of 3–10, owing to behavioral issues. Future lifestyle changes in developed countries are expected to result in significant energy use reductions of up to 50% by 2050, with a correspondingly large impact on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, neither clear categorizations of behavioral or nontechnological (NT) climate mitigation solutions (CMS), nor corresponding estimates of global potentials for energy savings and GHG mitigation are available. Using a systematic map methodology, review of frameworks, and topic modeling, Results indicate a literature bias toward developed countries, we propose a taxonomy that conceptually covers various demands (maintained/reduced), perspectives (individual/collective), and direct energy use (yes/no), resulting in five types of NT solutions: active and passive management and operation (MO), demand flexibility, sufficient comfort levels, circular and sharing economy, and organizational and social innovations. A knowledge glut for active and passive MO has been identified, with clusters in Europe and North America. Furthermore, evidence gaps were discovered in terms of geographical scope (with very little literature available about Africa and the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe and West-Central Asia), stakeholder perspectives, and some measures (circular and sharing economy, flexibility of demand over time, social and organizational innovations). There was insufficient evidence on current NT CMS adoption and implementation costs.
Quantified potentials were mostly found for developed countries and residential buildings, with more energy savings than GHG mitigation studies. Whereas these potentials are substantial, they vary largely among regions and solutions. The potential energy-saving ranges between 5% and 40% for most regions and CMS. The greatest potential GHG emissions reductions are seen in the circular and sharing category (25% to 70%). For other actions, most potentials range from 5% to 30%. More research is needed to provide evidence on rebound effects that can offset the climate benefits of NT solutions, business models that demonstrate their financial viability, and policy actions that trigger the already identified climate mitigation potentials of NT solutions.
China is committed to achieving the goals of “peak carbon and carbon neutrality,” and the carbon dioxide emissions generated in the energy utilization process mainly come from industrial and energy systems. This paper used structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and input-output analysis to study the structural emission reductions in China’s industrial and energy systems in 2007–2015. The results revealed that the final demand effect was the main factor promoting the growth of energy-related CO2 emissions and that the energy intensity effect played a weak role in promoting the growth of energy-related CO2 emissions. However, the energy structure effect and input structure effect reduced energy-related carbon emission growth. We found that for energy systems, the emission reduction effects of blast furnace gas, raw coal, refinery dry gas, and natural gas were obvious, while those of crude oil, gasoline, fuel oil, and kerosene were not obvious. For industrial systems, the tertiary industry played a major role in the final demand effect, followed by the secondary industry, and the primary industry in turn. This paper provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals of China’s energy systems and industrial systems.
The global greenhouse effect caused by excessive energy CO 2 emissions has seriously affected the sustainable development of the society, and energy consumption and production mainly come from industrial system and energy system. This paper used the structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and the input-output analysis to study the structural emission reduction of China's industrial and energy systems in 2007-2015. The results showed that: (1) From the analysis of structural factors, the final demand effect was the main factor to promote the growth of energy CO 2 emissions, and the energy intensity effect played a weak role in promoting the growth of energy CO 2 emissions. (2) From the perspective of energy systems, the emission reduction effect of blast furnace gas, raw coal, refinery dry gas and natural gas is obvious, while that of crude oil, gasoline, fuel oil and kerosene is not obvious. (3) From the perspective of China's industrial systems, the tertiary industry played a major role in the final demand effect, followed by secondary industries and the primary industry in turn. Finally, this paper provided a theoretical basis and realistic guiding route for the accurate and efficient emissions reduction of energy system and China's industrial system.
The effectiveness of deployment policies to promote the uptake of residential rooftop solar photovoltaic systems ultimately hinges on the behaviour of households who decide to accept or reject the technology. Over the past years, research has strived to understand, designate significant predictors, model the behaviour of heterogeneous households, and predict the diffusion rate by putting a wide range of approaches in place. Inspired by compiling a comprehensive database of home solar adoption studies, the present study systematically reviews the adopted theories, methods and approaches used within 199 original quantitative, qualitative, statistical, and non-statistical articles covering households’ attitudes, awareness, tendencies, knowledge, motives, willingness, intentions, and adoption decisions. The study provides a critical analysis of investigations on the adoption of solar photovoltaics, solar home systems, and solar photovoltaics coupled with battery energy storage systems. The outcome of the review revealed 108 future and 91 retroactive studies that exploit 10 key dependent variables by means of 52% primary (empirical data), 34% secondary (available sources), and 13% covering both modes of data collection. The sensitivity of these dependent variables was tested by 36 intervention variables that seek to capacitate effective managerial policies. The complexity of the individual decision was comprehended by 13 forms of behavioural theories, with the top-ranked two being the diffusion of innovation and the theory of planned behaviour. The literature showcased a total of 170 quantitative, 20 qualitative, and nine mixed-method studies, with statistical and non-statistical techniques being applied 139 and 86 times, respectively. Regression analysis was the most commonly used statistical analysis method, followed by spatial analysis for non-statistical models. At the heart of the predictive methods for analysing the diffusion rate of these solar technologies, nuances of 25 agent-based models and their social networks were examined in depth. The review further revealed 14 spectra of household categories as well as 12 typologies of household comparisons.
Green travel contributes to energy saving and emission reduction. Understanding the factors affecting residents’ green travel behavior is vital to its implementation. This study aims to identify factors that can encourage residents to implement green travel behavior from the perspective of the consciousness-behavior gap. We divided green travel behavior into self-practice green travel behavior (SPGTB) and interpersonal promotion green travel behavior (IPGTB) and examined the consciousness-context-behavior theoretical framework by using a survey (N=1,475), which was sent to urban residents in the east region of China. The findings were as follows. (1) Urban residents adopt more SPGTB than IPGTB, but their green travel behavior implementation levels are lower than their green travel consciousness levels. (2) Both the consciousness and behavior factors have obvious differences on the individual characteristic factors, but their variation trends are the exact opposite. (3) Green travel consciousness had an immediate main effect on green travel behavior, but it varied in the two types of green travel behavior, and there were interaction effects among the part consciousness factors. (4) Internal and external situational factors had significant regulating effects on part consciousness-behavior paths. (5) The Chinese cultural context (“face” culture) displayed significant contextual effects on the relationships between the consciousness factors, situational factors and green travel behaviors. The first three results indicate the existence of consciousness-behavior gap, and the last two explain why the gap exists. Finally, some relevant suggestions are put forward to promote urban residents’ green travel behavior and a high level of consistency in the consciousness and behavior.
In the light of the fact that global climate change is real and immediate actions all over the World are needed to combat its negative impacts, we conducted a study to explore Malaysian citizens perception towards a low carbon society. An extended form of Theory of Planned Behaviour was employed in order to research factors influencing citizens intentions to adopt to LCS in 5 urban areas in a highly congested part of Klang Valley, Malaysia. The study included items such as past behaviour, moral obligations, modernity acceptance, environmental consciousness and government role. The results indicated that subjective norm has the most powerful influence on people intentions, followed by moral obligations and attitude. Perceived behavioural control was found to be insignificant. The impact of past behaviour and modernity on perceived behavioural control then suggested the importance of these factors in ease of adoptability. The positive effect of government role on subjective norms was significant, highlighting the positive contribution that government can make. Finally, environmental consciousness was found to be a strong influence on respondents' attitudes. Overall, the results of this study recommends implication of strategies and policies in Malaysia that include social involvements in every level of the society.
Las organizaciones globales se distinguen no sólo por su influencia en el mercado internacional sino por sus alianzas estratégicas con empresas locales; micro, pequeñas y medianas empresas como subsidiarias de los productos transnacionales o multinacionales. Una revisión a los casos más emblemáticos sugiere que las organizaciones globales han desarrollado estrategias de formación del capital intelectual en las que se observan las sus ventajas competitivas.
El objetivo del presente trabajo es especificar un modelo para el estudio de los efectos del cambio climático sobre la salud pública y el Desarrollo Local. Para tal propósito, se llevó a cabo un estudio documental con una muestra de fuentes indexadas con registro ISSN y DOI publicadas durante el periodo 2010 a 2015. Posteriormente, la información fue procesada en matrices de análisis de contenido a fin de poder establecer los ejes de discusión y temas de debate en la agenda investigativa. Por último, considerando la revisión de la literatura teórica, conceptual y empírica, se especificó el modelo en el que se incluyó a las variables de percepción, creencia, actitud, intención y comportamiento. En relación con el estado del conocimiento se recomienda la inclusión de variables emotivas y valorativas que permitan el contraste de hipótesis relativas a los efectos de inundaciones, sequías, incendios y desabastecimiento de recursos sobre la salud pública ambiental.
In Argentina, energy consumption is characterized by a high dependence on fossil fuels and a low cost for final consumers. Therefore, to encourage energy efficiency it is important to know which non-financial factors influence energy use. Numerous evidences suggest that the Value- Belief-Norm model (VBN) is an adequate framework to understand this behaviour. However, few studies tested VBN to predict energy efficiency behaviour and even fewer did so in Latin America. Our aim was to test whether a VBN model was successful for predicting household energy efficiency behaviours among Argentinian citizens (n = 275). Results showed that the VBN model indeed explained self-reported energy efficiency. Importantly, a VBN model version assessed by means of a path analysis showed a good fit to the data. Biospheric values and personal norms were particularly strong predictors of household energy efficiency. These results indicate that personal norms, activated by values, are able to predict energy efficiency actions in an Argentinean sample. These evidences suggest that moral considerations should be promoted in order to increase energy efficiency actions in Argentina.
Human survival is directly tied to our relationship with the natural environment. Achieving a sustainable lifestyle depends on establishing a balance between the consumption of individuals, and the capacity of the natural environment for renewal. Yet, we often act as ifwe are separate from nature — as if we can get along without nature. Indeed, built environments serve as barriers between individuals and the natural environments in which they live. Offices, schools, homes, cars, restaurants, shopping malls, and many other built environments segregate people from nature. This chapter examines the implicit connection that individuals make between self and nature, and the impact of built environments on these implicit cognitions. A psychological model for inclusion with nature is presented, containing cognitive (connectedness), affective (caring), and behavioral (commitment) components. Implicationsfor theory, design, and sustainability are discussed.
In environmental literature it is argued that three different value orientations may be relevant for understanding environmental beliefs and intentions: egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric. Until now, the distinction between altruistic and biospheric value orientations has hardly been supported empirically. In this article, three studies are reported aimed to examine whether an egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric value orientation can indeed be distinguished empirically by using an adapted value instrument. Also, it is examined whether these value orientations are differently and uniquely related to general and specific beliefs and behavioral intention. Results provide support for the reliability and validity of the value instrument. All studies replicated the distinction into three value orientations, with sufficient internal consistency. Furthermore, when altruistic and biospheric goals conflict, they seem to provide a distinct basis for proenvironmental intentions. The value instrument could therefore be useful to better understand relationships between values, beliefs, and intentions related to environmentally significant behavior.
The purpose of the study was to test a hierarchical model of the effects of general values, environmental values, problem awareness, and personal norms on general proenvironmental behavior. The model starts with the effects of the relatively stable structures of general values and moves toward effects of more specific environmental values, environmental problem awareness, and personal norms. A personal norm was expected to mediate the effects of values and problem awareness on proenvironmental behavior. Survey data from a Swedish sample of 1,400 individuals were used in a path analysis to test the model, which was supported, and the results showed that the personal norm could be seen as derived from self-transcendent and ecocentric values and activated by problem awareness. The personal norm mediated the effects from general values, environmental values, and problem awareness on proenvironmental behavior.
In this study, the role of values in the field of household energy use is investigated by using the concept of quality of life (QOL). Importance judgments on 22 QOL aspects could be summarized into seven clearly interpretable value dimensions. The seven value dimensions and general and specific environmental concern contributed significantly to the explanation of policy support for government regulation and for market strategies aimed at managing environmental problems as well as to the explanation of the acceptability of specific home and transport energy-saving measures. In line with earlier research, home and transport energy use were especially related to sociodemographic variables like income and household size. These results show that it is relevant to distinguish between different measures of environmental impact and different types of environmental intent. Moreover, the results suggest that using only attitudinal variables, such as values, may be too limited to explain all types of environmental behavior.
Policy-makers are interested in cost-effective and socially acceptable ways of encouraging the public to adopt more environmentally-friendly lifestyles. One area which UK policy-makers are focussing on is ‘catalyst behaviour’, the notion that taking-up a new behaviour (such as recycling) may cause people to adopt other pro-environmental behaviours. Yet, evidence for such ‘spill-over’ effects is so far limited, and it is unclear when and how cross-situational motivations (e.g., pro-environmental identity) may predict behaviour and when contextual factors are more important. We report on a postal survey (N = 551) of pro-environmental behaviours amongst the UK public. We assess the influence of pro-environmental self-identify on consistency across a range of behaviours. Pro-environmental values, perceived behavioural control, subjective norm, attitudes, and demographic factors were also measured. Findings show self-identity to be a significant behavioural determinant over and above theory of planned behaviour variables for carbon offsetting behaviour. However, pro-environmental self-identity was only a significant predictor for certain other pro-environmental behaviours; background variables were also important predictors. Limitations of the study, and implications for theory and policy, are discussed.
Numerous theoretical frameworks have been developed to explain the gap between the possession of environmental knowledge and environmental awareness, and displaying pro-environmental behavior. Although many hundreds of studies have been undertaken, no definitive explanation has yet been found. Our article describes a few of the most influential and commonly used analytical frameworks: early US linear progression models; altruism, empathy and prosocial behavior models; and finally, sociological models. All of the models we discuss (and many of the ones we do not such as economic models, psychological models that look at behavior in general, social marketing models and that have become known as deliberative and inclusionary processes or procedures (DIPS)) have some validity in certain circumstances. This indicates that the question of what shapes pro-environmental behavior is such a complex one that it cannot be visualized through one single framework or diagram. We then analyze the factors that have been found to have some influence, positive or negative, on pro-environmental behavior such as demographic factors, external factors (e.g. institutional, economic, social and cultural) and internal factors (e.g. motivation, pro-environmental knowledge, awareness, values, attitudes, emotion, locus of control, responsibilities and priorities). Although we point out that developing a model that tries to incorporate all factors might neither be feasible nor useful, we feel that it can help illuminate this complex field. Accordingly, we propose our own model based on the work of Fliegenschnee and Schelakovsky (1998) who were influenced by Fietkau and Kessel (1981).
Publisher Summary This chapter addresses the universals in the content and structure of values, concentrating on the theoretical advances and empirical tests in 20 countries, and its four basic issues: substantive contents of human values; identification of comprehensive set of values; extent to which the meaning of particular values was equivalent for different groups of people; and how the relations among different values was structured. Substantial progress has been made toward resolving each of these issues. Ten motivationally distinct value types that were likely to be recognized within and across cultures and used to form value priorities were identified. Set of value types that was relatively comprehensive, encompassing virtually all the types of values to which individuals attribute at least moderate importance as criteria of evaluation was demonstrated. The evidence from 20 countries was assembled, showing that the meaning of the value types and most of the single values that constitute them was reasonably equivalent across most groups. Two basic dimensions that organize value systems into an integrated motivational structure with consistent value conflicts and compatibilities were discovered. By identifying universal aspects of value content and structure, the chapter has laid the foundations for investigating culture-specific aspects in the future.
In this paper, we contrast the value-belief-norm (VBN) model and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for the first time regarding their ability to explain conservation behavior. The participants represent a convenience sample of 468 university students. Using survey data and adopting previously established compound measures, structural equation analyses revealed a remarkable explanatory power for both theories: TPB's intention accounted for 95% of people's conservation behavior and VBN's personal norms accounted for 64%. Compared to the VBN model, the TPB covered its concepts more fully in terms of proportions of explained variance. More importantly, the fit statistics revealed that only the TPB depicts the relations among its concepts appropriately, whereas the VBN model does not.
The goal of the present paper is a replication as well as an extension of the Hines et al. [(1986/87). Analysis and synthesis of research on responsible environmental behaviour: A meta-analysis. Journal of Environmental Education, 18, 1–8] meta-analysis on psycho-social determinants of pro-environmental behaviour. Based on information from a total of 57 samples the present meta-analysis finds mean correlations between psycho-social variables and pro-environmental behaviour similar to those reported by Hines et al. In a second step, the matrix of pooled correlations is used for a structural equation modelling (SEM) test of theoretically postulated structural relations between eight determinants of pro-environmental behaviour (so-called Meta-analytic SEM (MASEM)). MASEM results confirm that pro-environmental behavioural intention mediate the impact of all other psycho-social variables on pro-environmental behaviour (27% explained variance). Results also confirm that besides attitude and behavioural control personal moral norm is a third predictor of pro-environmental behavioural intention (52% explained variance). The MASEM also indicates that problem awareness is an important but indirect determinant of pro-environmental intention. Its impact seems to be mediated by moral and social norms, guilt and attribution processes.
This paper reports on the barriers that members of the UK public perceive to engaging with climate change. It draws upon three mixed-method studies, with an emphasis on the qualitative data which offer an in-depth insight into how people make sense of climate change. The paper defines engagement as an individual's state, comprising three elements: cognitive, affective and behavioural. A number of common barriers emerge from the three studies, which operate broadly at ‘individual’ and ‘social’ levels. These major constraints to individual engagement with climate change have implications for achieving significant reductions in greenhouse gases in the UK. We argue that targeted and tailored information provision should be supported by wider structural change to enable citizens and communities to reduce their carbon dependency. Policy implications for effective engagement are discussed.
One possible reason for the continued neglect of statistical power analysis in research in the behavioral sciences is the inaccessibility of or difficulty with the standard material. A convenient, although not comprehensive, presentation of required sample sizes is provided. Effect-size indexes and conventional values for these are given for operationally defined small, medium, and large effects. The sample sizes necessary for .80 power to detect effects at these levels are tabled for 8 standard statistical tests: (1) the difference between independent means, (2) the significance of a product-moment correlation, (3) the difference between independent rs, (4) the sign test, (5) the difference between independent proportions, (6) chi-square tests for goodness of fit and contingency tables, (7) 1-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and (8) the significance of a multiple or multiple partial correlation.
Objective. We offer an empirical measure of “social movement identity” vis-à-vis the environmental movement. Our measure of environmental movement identity complements existing efforts to measure the ambiguous concept of “environmental identity.”
Methods. We utilize data from a 2000 Gallup Poll of 1,004 adults to examine relationships between our measure of environmental movement identity and self-reported membership in environmental organizations, assessments of the environmental movement, and self-reported pro-environmental behaviors.
Results. The measure appears to have face validity, and our results suggest it also has construct and predictive validity since it is related to environmental organization memberships, assessments of the environmental movement, and self-reported pro-environmental behaviors—even when controlling for relevant sociopolitical characteristics.
Conclusions. The measure is useful for analyses of the environmental movement, can be adapted for research on other movements, and can help social movement analysts respond to calls to investigate linkages between public opinion and movement dynamics.
The reliability and validity of the Short Schwartz's Value Survey (SSVS) was examined in 4 studies. In Study 1 (N = 670), we examined whether value scores obtained with the SSVS correlate with those obtained with Schwartz's Value Survey (SVS; Schwartz, 1992, 1996) and the Portrait Values Questionnaire (Schwartz et al., 2001) and whether the quasi-circular structure of values can be found with the SSVS. In Study 2 (N = 3,261), we replicated the quasi-circular structure in a more heterogeneous sample and assessed whether the SSVS can differentiate appropriately between gender, religiosity, students from different fields, and supporters of left- and right-wing political parties. In Study 3 (N = 112), we examined the test-retest reliability of the SSVS and in Study 4 (N = 38), time saving gained by the SSVS compared to the SVS. The results show that the new scale had good reliability and validity and that the values measured by the SSVS were arrayed on a circle identical to the theoretical structure of values. We also provided equations that can be used in future studies to measure individuals' scores on the 2 main value dimensions, Self-Transcendence and Conservation.
We present a theory of the basis of support for a social movement. Three types of support (citizenship actions, policy support and acceptance, and personal-sphere behaviors that accord with movement principles) are empirically distinct from each other and from committed activism. Drawing on theoretical work on values and norm-activation processes, we propose a value-belief-norm (VBN) theory of movement support. Individuals who accept a movement's basic values, believe that valued objects are threatened, and believe that their actions can help restore those values experience an obligation (personal norm) for pro-movement action that creates a predisposition to provide support; the particular type of support that results is dependent on the individual's capabilities and constraints. Data from a national survey of 420 respondents suggest that the VBN theory, when compared with other prevalent theories, offers the best available account of support for the environmental movement.
This article develops a conceptual framework for advancing theories of environ- mentally significant individual behavior and reports on the attempts of the author's research group and others to develop such a theory. It discusses defini- tions of environmentally significant behavior; classifies the behaviors and their causes; assesses theories of environmentalism, focusing especially on value-belief-norm theory; evaluates the relationship between environmental concern and behavior; and summarizes evidence on the factors that determine environmentally significant behaviors and that can effectively alter them. The article concludes by presenting some major propositions supported by available research and some principles for guiding future research and informing the design of behavioral programs for environmental protection. Recent developments in theory and research give hope for building the under- standing needed to effectively alter human behaviors that contribute to environ- mental problems. This article develops a conceptual framework for the theory of environmentally significant individual behavior, reports on developments toward such a theory, and addresses five issues critical to building a theory that can inform efforts to promote proenvironmental behavior.
This year marks an important crossroads for climate policy. Most member states of the European Union have accepted the case for major reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. In Britain, for example, the new Committee on Climate Change has recommended at least an 80 percent cut in national emissions by 2050. 1 1. Committee on Climate Change, Building a Low-Carbon Economy—The UK's Contribution to Tackling Climate Change (London: The Stationery Office, 2008). View all notes In the United States, the inauguration of the Obama administration also signals a more proactive policy agenda, with the new president calling for an 83 percent reduction in 2005 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. 2 2. Office of Management and Budget (OMB), A New Era of Responsibility: Renewing America's Promise (Washington, DC: OMB, 2009), 100. View all notes Finally, with the hope that developing nations such as India and China will join future international agreements, the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meet in Copenhagen this December to discuss and frame international climate policy and cooperation for many years to come.
Public support for climate policies is essential to underpin their credibility, but evidence suggests that an environmental basis for that support is not strong. It has been suggested that framing climate policies in other terms, such as energy security or job creation, will build a more sustainable political basis for bold climate policies. This approach is explored using data from a survey in 157 UK marginal constituencies. Framing does make a difference to support for the expansion of renewable energy, but not to support for policies on energy efficiency and financial assistance to developing countries. The data also show key differences in levels of support for policies between different socio-demographic and voter groups. Le soutien public aux politiques climatiques est essentiel pour soutenir leur credibilité, mais il semble que l'argument environnemental à la base de ce soutien n'est pas fort. Il a été suggéré que l’élaboration des politiques climatiques selon d'autres objectifs, tels que sécurité énergétique ou création d'emplois, constituerait une base politique plus durable pour les politiques climatiques plus audacieuses. Cette approche est examinée à l'aide de données provenant d'une enquête portant sur 157 circonscriptions disputées du Royaume-Uni. Le cadrage a effectivement une incidence sur l'expansion des énergies renouvelables, mais non sur les politiques d'efficacité énergétique et d'aide financière aux pays en développement. Les données montrent également des différences importantes en dans le niveau de soutien aux politiques en fonction des différents groupes sociodémographiques et groups d’électeurs.
This [textbook] helps establish important new links between environmental science and behavioral science. It develops a framework for addressing key questions about human behaviors that harm the environment, summarizes knowledge from psychology and related fields about these behaviors, and uses that knowledge to point the way to realistic solutions.
This book develops a framework for addressing these questions, drawing on behavioral theory, real world case studies, field experiments, and other evidence. Because its central focus is individual behavior, it draws most heavily on concepts from social, cognitive, and behavioral psychology. However, it puts behavior in the context of the economic, institutional, and policy forces that shape it and emphasizes arenas where individual action makes a real difference to the natural environment. The result is an interdisciplinary treatment, rooted in behavioral science but addressing practical issues of environmental policy.
The book is written at a level suitable for undergraduate students in psychology, social science, and environmental studies and science. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Research on identity has proliferated in recent decades, particularly within environmental psychology; the physical environment has been shown to have strong connections to a sense of self, and identity has proved to be an important mediator of behaviour. The concept of identity has been defined and measured, however, in a wide variety of ways. The goal of this special issue is to present some of the recent work tying identity to place and behaviour. In our opening essay we describe some of the distinctions among approaches to identity at different levels of specificity and scale and suggest some criteria to determine meaningful sources of identity, including impacts on cognitive processing, emotional responses, and behaviour. Although a monolithic framework is neither practical nor desirable, we encourage greater conceptual and methodological integration in future research on the interconnections among place, identity, and behaviour.
It is widely recognised that public acceptability often poses a barrier towards renewable energy development. This article reviews existing research on public perceptions of wind energy, where opposition is typically characterized by the NIMBY (not in my back yard) concept. The objectives of the article are to provide a critical assessment of past research and an integrated, multidimensional framework to guide future work. Six distinct strands of research are identified, summarized and critiqued: public support for switching from conventional energy sources to wind energy; aspects of turbines associated with negative perceptions; the impact of physical proximity to turbines; acceptance over time of wind farms; NIMBYism as an explanation for negative perceptions; and, finally, the impact of local involvement on perceptions. Research across these strands is characterized by opinion poll studies of general beliefs and case studies of perceptions of specific developments. In both cases, research is fragmented and has failed to adequately explain, rather than merely describe, perceptual processes. The article argues for more theoretically informed empirical research, grounded in social science concepts and methods. A multidimensional framework is proposed that goes beyond the NIMBY label and integrates previous findings with social and environmental psychological theory. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The UK is witnessing a new line in political debate around new nuclear energy generation as one potential feature of future energy policy, specifically for contributing to climate change mitigation alongside energy security. Little is known about how ordinary citizens might be responding to this reframing. This paper reports the results from a major British survey (n=1491) undertaken in the autumn of 2005. The consistent message is that while higher proportions of the British public are prepared to accept nuclear power if they believe it contributes to climate change mitigation, this is a highly conditional view, with very few actively preferring this over renewable sources given the choice. People see both climate change and nuclear power as problematic in terms of risks and express only a ‘reluctant acceptance’ of nuclear power as a ‘solution’ to climate change. The combined data from this survey can also be interpreted as an indication of the complexity surrounding beliefs about energy futures and the difficulty of undertaking simplistic risk–risk tradeoffs within any single framing of the issues; such as nuclear energy versus climate change. The results also indicate that it would be unwise, in the UK as elsewhere, to simplistically assume that there exists any single or stable public ‘opinion’ on such complex matters. We conclude with a discussion of the role and implications of the survey evidence for the policy process.
Twenty-first century access to energy sources depends on a complex system of global markets, vast cross-border infrastructure networks, a small group of primary energy suppliers, and interdependencies with financial markets and technology. This is the context in which energy security has risen high on the policy agenda of governments around the world and the term ‘energy security’ has quietly slipped into the energy lexicon. The limited discourse about the nature of the term or its underlying assumptions has been totally eclipsed by an almost overwhelming focus on securing supplies of primary energy sources and geopolitics. An examination of explicit and inferred definitions finds that the concept of energy security is inherently slippery because it is polysemic in nature, capable of holding multiple dimensions and taking on different specificities depending on the country (or continent), timeframe or energy source to which it is applied. This ‘slipperiness’ poses analytical, prediction and policy difficulties but if explicitly recognised through definitional clarity, new levels of understanding will enrich the policy debate to deal with obstacles impacting on the constantly evolving nature of energy security.
This paper examines factors influencing the acceptability of energy policies aimed to reduce the emission of CO2 by households. More specifically, it is studied to what extent the value–belief–norm theory of environmentalism (VBN theory; Stern, [(2000). Toward a coherent theory of environmentally significant behavior. Journal of Social Issues, 56(3), 407–424.]) is successful in explaining acceptability judgements. In contrast to previous studies, we test the full VBN theory. A questionnaire study was conducted among 112 Dutch respondents. Results confirmed the causal order of the variables in VBN theory, moving from relative stable general values to beliefs about human–environment relations, which in turn affect behaviour specific beliefs and norms, and acceptability judgements, respectively. As expected, all variables were significantly related to the next variable in the causal chain. Biospheric values were also significantly related to feelings of moral obligation to reduce household energy consumption when intermediate variables were controlled for. Furthermore, as hypothesized, personal norms mediated the relationship between AR and acceptability judgements, AR beliefs mediated the relationship between AC beliefs and personal norms, AC beliefs mediated the relationship between NEP and AR beliefs, and NEP mediated the relationship between values and AC beliefs.
The influence of values, problem awareness, and personal norm on willingness to cooperate were studied. The choice situation was seen as a social dilemma and willingness to reduce personal car use as an intention to cooperate since it requires sacrificing immediate personal gains in order to reduce long-term collective environmental costs. Data were collected through a survey to 2500 car owners in Sweden. The survey assessed, value orientation, problem awareness, personal norm, and willingness to reduce personal car use. A hierarchical model, of the effects of values, awareness, and norms on the willingness to cooperate, was tested with path analysis. Data supported the hypothesized model. Values and problem awareness influenced personal norm, which in turn influenced willingness to reduce personal car use. The results clearly showed the importance of personal norm for willingness to cooperate in a social dilemma.
To date, studies of energy siting controversy and of environmental psychology have barely informed one another, despite the environmental-behaviour literature potentially having considerable relevance to understanding public opposition to energy projects. This paper points towards this relevance, using the example of a longitudinal study of public objections to a 21.5 MWe bioenergy gasifier proposed for Winkleigh in Devon, England. Local opinion surveys in 2004 and 2007 showed that public opposition to the proposed gasifier remained strong but also revealed some statistically significant change and correlations of wider interest. In the context of the environmental psychology literature, the dominant model of contextualised values, intention and behaviour, as well as other psychological approaches, are found to be helpful, both for making sense of the results and for informing a psychological research agenda on public objection to new energy infrastructure.
The threats posed by climate change are placing governments under increasing pressure to meet electricity demand from low-carbon sources. In many countries, including the UK, legislation is in place to ensure the continued expansion of renewable energy capacity. Onshore wind turbines are expected to play a key role in achieving these aims. However, despite high levels of public support for onshore wind development in principle, specific projects often experience local opposition. Traditionally this difference in general and specific attitudes has been attributed to NIMBYism (not in my back yard), but evidence is increasingly calling this assumption into question. This study used multiple regression analysis to identify what factors might predict attitudes towards mooted wind development in Sheffield, England. We report on the attitudes of two groups; one group (target) living close to four sites earmarked for development and an unaffected comparison group (comparison). We found little evidence of NIMBYism amongst members of the target group; instead, differences between general and specific attitudes appeared attributable to uncertainty regarding the proposals. The results are discussed with respect to literature highlighting the importance of early, continued and responsive community involvement in combating local opposition and facilitating the deployment of onshore wind turbines.
This paper examines the conceptual divide between energy saving behaviours in the home, relating to purchase-oriented behaviours and habitual action to conserve energy. Considerable empirical research indicates that this divide is of utility when characterising energy saving behaviour. However, little attention has been focused around the association between energy saving behaviours and other environmental actions. Accordingly, this paper examines the structural bases of energy conservation behaviours in the wider context of environmental behaviour. These findings are then used to examine the characteristics of energy savers as they relate to other environmental actions. Using cluster analysis, the paper defines a range of behavioural characteristics that transcend energy saving and other environmental actions. The use of such an approach to policy makers seeking to encourage energy conservation practices is discussed at the end of the paper.
This paper presents the results of a postal questionnaire survey of local public opinion on a proposal to build a 21.5 MW(e) integrated combined cycle biomass gasifier on an old Royal Air Force airfield on the outskirts of the rural village of Winkleigh, Devon, England. To all households in Winkleigh Parish 1200 questionnaires were distributed in June 2004 and were returned by 573 people, representing 40% of all adults in the parish. Opinion was found to be overwhelmingly against the gasifier. The concerns of local people were varied, but the highest levels of shared concern were truck movements and associated pollution and nuisance, doubts about the developer's credibility, and gaseous emissions from the plant, including odour. In general, local people felt that they were being asked to accept an industrial scale development that would lead to deterioration in their quality of life. The grey and academic literatures on analogous cases anticipate some of the specific findings.
One possible reason for the continued neglect of statistical power analysis in research in the behavioral sciences is the inaccessibility of or difficulty with the standard material. A convenient, although not comprehensive, presentation of required sample sizes is provided here. Effect-size indexes and conventional values for these are given for operationally defined small, medium, and large effects. The sample sizes necessary for .80 power to detect effects at these levels are tabled for eight standard statistical tests: (a) the difference between independent means, (b) the significance of a product-moment correlation, (c) the difference between independent rs, (d) the sign test, (e) the difference between independent proportions, (f) chi-square tests for goodness of fit and contingency tables, (g) one-way analysis of variance, and (h) the significance of a multiple or multiple partial correlation.
Public perceptions of renewable energy technologies— challenging the notion of widespread support. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. School of Psychology Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated framework for understanding public perceptions of wind energy
- C C Demski
Demski, C.C., 2011. Public perceptions of renewable energy technologies— challenging the notion of widespread support. Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis. School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff. Devine-Wright, P., 2005. Beyond NIMBYism: towards an integrated framework for understanding public perceptions of wind energy. Wind Energy 8, 125–139.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Climate Change Act. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Value orientations to explain beliefs related to environmental significant behaviour: how to measure egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric orientations
- Defra
Defra, 2005. Experimental statistics on carbon dioxide emissions at local authority and regional level. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London. Defra, 2008. Climate Change Act. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London. Available at: /http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/legis lation/cc_act_08/cc_act_08.aspxS. De Groot, J.I.M., Steg, L., 2008. Value orientations to explain beliefs related to environmental significant behaviour: how to measure egoistic, altruistic, and biospheric orientations. Environment and Behavior 40, 330–354.
Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Energy Futures in Britain: Summary Findings of a Survey Conducted School of Psychology Factors influencing the acceptability of energy policies: a test of VBN Theory
- A Spence
- D Venables
- N Pidgeon
- W Poortinga
- C Demski
Spence, A., Venables, D., Pidgeon, N., Poortinga, W., Demski, C., 2010. Public Perceptions of Climate Change and Energy Futures in Britain: Summary Findings of a Survey Conducted in January–March 2010. Technical Report (Understanding Risk Working Paper 10-01). School of Psychology, Cardiff. Steg, L., Dreijerink, L., Abrahamse, W., 2005. Factors influencing the acceptability of energy policies: a test of VBN Theory. Journal of Environmental Psychology 25, 415–425.
Experimental statistics on carbon dioxide emissions at local authority and regional level. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Defra
Defra, 2005. Experimental statistics on carbon dioxide emissions at local authority
and regional level. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,
London.
Climate Change Act. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
- Defra
Defra, 2008. Climate Change Act. Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs, London. Available at: /http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/legis
lation/cc_act_08/cc_act_08.aspxS.
Energy White Paper: Our Energy Future-Creating a Low-carbon Economy. Department for Trade and Industry
DTI, 2003. Energy White Paper: Our Energy Future-Creating a Low-carbon
Economy. Department for Trade and Industry, London.