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Environmental beliefs and public acceptance of nuclear energy in China: A moderated mediation analysis

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  • Wang, Jing
  • Li, Yazhou
  • Wu, Jianlin
  • Gu, Jibao
  • Xu, Shuo

Abstract

Nuclear energy facility development in China has become controversial amid widespread environmental concerns. The present study examines how environmental beliefs influence public acceptance of nuclear energy in the context of China. In the current study, we test the mediation effect of nuclear engagement and test place attachment as a moderator based on cognitive-affective processing system theory. Our data have been obtained from an online survey, using a sample consisting of 516 individuals with experience in the public participation activities in Chinese nuclear power plant projects. The empirical results show that environmental beliefs are positively and significantly correlated to public acceptance of nuclear energy through the individuals’ nuclear engagement. Place attachment negatively and significantly moderates the direct impact of environmental beliefs on nuclear engagement. In the meantime, the mediating effect of nuclear engagement is weaker when place attachment is high. Significant practical implications are provided in our study for the Chinese governmental authorities.

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  • Wang, Jing & Li, Yazhou & Wu, Jianlin & Gu, Jibao & Xu, Shuo, 2020. "Environmental beliefs and public acceptance of nuclear energy in China: A moderated mediation analysis," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:enepol:v:137:y:2020:i:c:s0301421519307281
    DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2019.111141
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