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Perceived behavioural control and the role of information on climate change in increasing sustainable travel

Perceived behavioural control and the role of information on climate change in increasing sustainable travel
Perceived behavioural control and the role of information on climate change in increasing sustainable travel
This paper investigates the extent to which information on climate change can influence travel behaviour. Travel behaviour on the aggregate level is unsustainable; in light of increasing awareness on climate change, the need to substantially reduce emissions from the transport sector is growing. The status of travel behaviour has grown both in terms of its potential to fill the gaps left by technological and political progress as well as the potential longevity and transferability of its impacts to coerce the sustainability of other aspects of human behaviour. The role of information on climate change is analysed and its impact on influencing travel behaviour is investigated particularly when considering perceived behavioural controls. Analysis of results from questionnaires and focus groups shows climate change is viewed as too impersonal, immeasurable and un-mitigable, whilst individuals consider their potential to change too insignificant and futile in terms of impacts and adequacy. While motivation for sustainable travel behaviour is high, perceived ability to do so is consequently low. This paper concludes by considering how information on climate change can be used to increase perceived ability to change. Information on (i) the availability of alternative travel options, (ii) seemingly effortless behavioural changes and (iii) environmental benefits of change as a by-product, not a driver, have significant potential in bridging the gaps left by technology and policy, towards achieving more widespread sustainable travel.
Howarth, C
24c695a4-7c40-4abd-abef-d830bc991897
Waterson, B.J.
60a59616-54f7-4c31-920d-975583953286
McDonald, M.
cd5b31ba-276b-41a5-879c-82bf6014db9f
Howarth, C
24c695a4-7c40-4abd-abef-d830bc991897
Waterson, B.J.
60a59616-54f7-4c31-920d-975583953286
McDonald, M.
cd5b31ba-276b-41a5-879c-82bf6014db9f

Howarth, C, Waterson, B.J. and McDonald, M. (2010) Perceived behavioural control and the role of information on climate change in increasing sustainable travel. 42nd Annual UTSG Conference, Plymouth, UK. 05 - 07 Jan 2010.

Record type: Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)

Abstract

This paper investigates the extent to which information on climate change can influence travel behaviour. Travel behaviour on the aggregate level is unsustainable; in light of increasing awareness on climate change, the need to substantially reduce emissions from the transport sector is growing. The status of travel behaviour has grown both in terms of its potential to fill the gaps left by technological and political progress as well as the potential longevity and transferability of its impacts to coerce the sustainability of other aspects of human behaviour. The role of information on climate change is analysed and its impact on influencing travel behaviour is investigated particularly when considering perceived behavioural controls. Analysis of results from questionnaires and focus groups shows climate change is viewed as too impersonal, immeasurable and un-mitigable, whilst individuals consider their potential to change too insignificant and futile in terms of impacts and adequacy. While motivation for sustainable travel behaviour is high, perceived ability to do so is consequently low. This paper concludes by considering how information on climate change can be used to increase perceived ability to change. Information on (i) the availability of alternative travel options, (ii) seemingly effortless behavioural changes and (iii) environmental benefits of change as a by-product, not a driver, have significant potential in bridging the gaps left by technology and policy, towards achieving more widespread sustainable travel.

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More information

Published date: January 2010
Additional Information: Listed in conference programme as : Perceived behavioural control and the impact of climate change information on travel behaviour
Venue - Dates: 42nd Annual UTSG Conference, Plymouth, UK, 2010-01-05 - 2010-01-07

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 73856
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/73856
PURE UUID: 986d65e2-9b60-4d93-a2e0-37179a701ede
ORCID for B.J. Waterson: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0001-9817-7119

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 16 Mar 2010
Last modified: 14 Mar 2024 02:41

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Contributors

Author: C Howarth
Author: B.J. Waterson ORCID iD
Author: M. McDonald

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