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Energy transition and public behavior in Italy: A structural equation modeling

Author

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  • Ali, Amjad
  • Esposito, Luca
  • Gatto, Andrea

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the relationship between public behavior and energy transition in three Italian macro-regions. This article projects attention towards the causal relationship between consumer behavior, public perception, and awareness/knowledge in the eye of the energy transition. To obtain the results, the study deploys survey data in three Italian macro-areas through a questionnaire and uses structural equation modeling to analyze the relationships between variables. The result shows that perception and attitude are the key determinants, which influence and may change public behavior towards energy transition and RES use. Public perception is highly based on awareness and knowledge due to job type and education level because most of the participants were connected to academia directly and indirectly, and their ages range between 21 and 29 years. The study also finds the heterogeneity factors in the results between regions such as variation in consumer behavior, perception and awareness level due to different socioeconomic and demographic characteristics and regional disparities. The results indicate that there is a gap between actual and observed behavior because the consumer decision-making related to home purchasing products is still based on traditional behavior of purchasing like price, location and after that sustainability and energy efficiency. To promote renewable energy and make speed up the transition process, the initiative of awareness campaigns through media and social media, incentives schemes and green educational activities, helps to create a green culture in different societies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ali, Amjad & Esposito, Luca & Gatto, Andrea, 2023. "Energy transition and public behavior in Italy: A structural equation modeling," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PB).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:85:y:2023:i:pb:s0301420723006566
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103945
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Public behavior; Perception; Renewable energy; Energy transition; Climate change; Italian regions;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • B23 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925 - - - Econometrics; Quantitative and Mathematical Studies
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R13 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General Equilibrium and Welfare Economic Analysis of Regional Economies
    • Q13 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Markets and Marketing; Cooperatives; Agribusiness
    • P28 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Socialist and Transition Economies - - - Natural Resources; Environment
    • P48 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Other Economic Systems - - - Legal Institutions; Property Rights; Natural Resources; Energy; Environment; Regional Studies
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making

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