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Climate Concern and Pro-Environmental Behaviour in the Light of Trust

Author

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  • Zoltán Grünhut

    (Institute for Regional Studies, HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies (CERS), 7621 Pécs, Hungary)

  • Viktor Varjú

    (Institute for Regional Studies, HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies (CERS), 7621 Pécs, Hungary
    Institute of Rural Development and Sustainable Economy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (MATE), Kaposvár Campus, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary
    Institute of Social Connection, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary)

  • Ákos Bodor

    (Institute for Regional Studies, HUN-REN Centre for Economic and Regional Studies (CERS), 7621 Pécs, Hungary)

Abstract

When exploring individual motivations of pro-climate behaviour, researchers investigate a multitude of factors, including the role of trust. Based on the empirical results obtained to date, the literature does not paint a uniform picture regarding the strength of the relationship between trust and environmental awareness. Using a large-scale, representative survey conducted in Hungary in June–July 2022, the present study—based on a data analysis—provides an answer to the question of how much the trust of the individual motivates the given individual to take pro-climate action. The results of the study show that most of the respondents cannot be viewed as pro-climate actors in spite of the fact that, in the meantime, they are concerned about climate change. Most of them are mistrustful of their fellow human beings, in other words they think that protecting the climate and taking action against climate change is not particularly important for others. One of the most important conclusions that may be drawn from the analyses is that trust influences both pro-environment/pro-climate action, and the intent to act. Research results confirm the general conclusion that supporting and increasing social trust would have a beneficial effect on more effective action against environmental challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Zoltán Grünhut & Viktor Varjú & Ákos Bodor, 2023. "Climate Concern and Pro-Environmental Behaviour in the Light of Trust," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-15, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14430-:d:1252532
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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