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Household Barriers to Climate Change Action: Perspectives from Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Author

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  • D. Liliana González-Hernández

    (Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Erik W. Meijles

    (Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
    Centre for Landscape Studies, University of Groningen, PO Box 716, 9700 AS Groningen, The Netherlands)

  • Frank Vanclay

    (Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, PO Box 800, 9700 AV Groningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

It is necessary to mobilize households so that they make changes to their everyday activities to address climate change. However, in the academic literature, there has been little focus on the perceived barriers to climate change action at the household level. Previous research has also highlighted a need for more studies in Latin America. This study contributes to the literature by filling these gaps. In a face-to-face and online survey administered in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, we asked participants what barriers impede their household from taking action to address climate change. Using thematic analysis, seven main barriers were identified: (i) everyday life; (ii) awareness of climate change; (iii) lack of perceived locus of control; (iv) physical limitations of the dwelling; (v) social, (vi) regulatory; and (vii) economic. Given the significant potential effects of climate change in the Nuevo Leon region, a better understanding of the barriers that prevent households from addressing climate change will inform the development of targeted guidelines and strategies to address changing climate.

Suggested Citation

  • D. Liliana González-Hernández & Erik W. Meijles & Frank Vanclay, 2019. "Household Barriers to Climate Change Action: Perspectives from Nuevo Leon, Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(15), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:15:p:4178-:d:254224
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Gintare Stankuniene & Dalia Streimikiene & Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos, 2020. "Systematic Literature Review on Behavioral Barriers of Climate Change Mitigation in Households," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-18, September.
    2. D. Liliana González-Hernández & Raúl A. Aguirre-Gamboa & Erik W. Meijles, 2023. "The role of climate change perceptions and sociodemographics on reported mitigation efforts and performance among households in northeastern Mexico," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 1853-1875, February.

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