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Public acceptance of resource-efficiency strategies to mitigate climate change

Author

Listed:
  • Catherine Cherry

    (Cardiff University
    University of Leeds)

  • Kate Scott

    (University of Leeds
    University of Leeds
    University of Manchester)

  • John Barrett

    (University of Leeds
    University of Leeds)

  • Nick Pidgeon

    (Cardiff University
    University of Leeds)

Abstract

Rapid action to improve resource efficiency is essential for achieving climate mitigation goals. As they are likely to reshape everyday life in unexpected ways, new products, policies and business models will need to consider the public acceptability of resource-efficiency strategies, as well as the technical emission-reduction potential. Here, using consumption-based emissions modelling and deliberative public workshops, we find considerable public support for a range of resource-efficiency strategies that combined could reduce the carbon footprint in the United Kingdom by up to 29 Mt of CO2-equivalent (CO2e) emissions (a 39% emissions reduction from household products, such as cars, clothing, electronics, appliances and furniture). Public acceptability is already high for strategies that aim to develop more resource-efficient products. Strategies that aim to encourage product sharing and extend product lifetimes were also perceived positively, although acceptance was dependent on meeting other important conditions, such as trustworthiness, responsibility, fairness, affordability, convenience, safety and hygiene.

Suggested Citation

  • Catherine Cherry & Kate Scott & John Barrett & Nick Pidgeon, 2018. "Public acceptance of resource-efficiency strategies to mitigate climate change," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 8(11), pages 1007-1012, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:8:y:2018:i:11:d:10.1038_s41558-018-0298-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41558-018-0298-3
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    Cited by:

    1. Wood, Richard & Neuhoff, Karsten & Moran, Dan & Simas, Moana & Grubb, Michael & Stadler, Konstantin, 2020. "The structure, drivers and policy implications of the European carbon footprint," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 20(sup1), pages 39-57.
    2. Dan Thorman & Lorraine Whitmarsh & Christina Demski, 2020. "Policy Acceptance of Low-Consumption Governance Approaches: The Effect of Social Norms and Hypocrisy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-25, February.
    3. Farah Mneimneh & Hasan Ghazzawi & Seeram Ramakrishna, 2023. "Review Study of Energy Efficiency Measures in Favor of Reducing Carbon Footprint of Electricity and Power, Buildings, and Transportation," Circular Economy and Sustainability,, Springer.
    4. Pettifor, Hazel & Wilson, Charlie, 2020. "Low carbon innovations for mobility, food, homes and energy: A synthesis of consumer attributes," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 130(C).
    5. Clare Hanmer & Charlie Wilson & Oreane Y. Edelenbosch & Detlef P. van Vuuren, 2022. "Translating Global Integrated Assessment Model Output into Lifestyle Change Pathways at the Country and Household Level," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-31, February.
    6. Barbara Plank & Nina Eisenmenger & Anke Schaffartzik, 2021. "Do material efficiency improvements backfire?: Insights from an index decomposition analysis about the link between CO2 emissions and material use for Austria," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 25(2), pages 511-522, April.
    7. Moon, Won-Ki & Kahlor, Lee Ann & Olson, Hilary Clement, 2020. "Understanding public support for carbon capture and storage policy: The roles of social capital, stakeholder perceptions, and perceived risk/benefit of technology," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 139(C).
    8. Lei, Mingyu & Ding, Qun & Cai, Wenjia & Wang, Can, 2022. "The exploration of joint carbon mitigation actions between demand- and supply-side for specific household consumption behaviors — A case study in China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 324(C).
    9. Lauren Ah Fook & Lisa McNeill, 2020. "Click to Buy: The Impact of Retail Credit on Over-Consumption in the Online Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-15, September.

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