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Pro-Environmental Behavior and Actions: Review of the literature and agenda for future research

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  • Zehui, Zhao

Abstract

This article critically examines the existing literature on pro-environmental behavior, focusing on essential theories, empirical evidence, and cross-disciplinary implications. The study delves into the influence of individualistic, societal, and circumstantial factors in shaping pro-environmental behaviors, drawing insights from prominent theoretical models. Moreover, it thoroughly examines the effectiveness of economic incentives and non-market approaches in stimulating pro-environmental activities, emphasizing the need for integrating behavioral economics and social psychology within the field of environmental studies. The paper concludes by identifying potential areas for future research, including the role of digital technologies, climate change communication, and social networks in fostering sustainable societies. The primary objective of this study is to equip researchers and practitioners with the necessary knowledge to develop effective strategies for promoting sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Zehui, Zhao, 2023. "Pro-Environmental Behavior and Actions: Review of the literature and agenda for future research," OSF Preprints hszge, Center for Open Science.
  • Handle: RePEc:osf:osfxxx:hszge
    DOI: 10.31219/osf.io/hszge
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Farrow, Katherine & Grolleau, Gilles & Ibanez, Lisette, 2017. "Social Norms and Pro-environmental Behavior: A Review of the Evidence," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 1-13.
    2. Don Fullerton, 2011. "Six Distributional Effects of Environmental Policy," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 31(6), pages 923-929, June.
    3. J. W. Bolderdijk & L. Steg & E. S. Geller & P. K. Lehman & T. Postmes, 2013. "Comparing the effectiveness of monetary versus moral motives in environmental campaigning," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 3(4), pages 413-416, April.
    4. Thomas Eichner & Rüdiger Pethig, 2021. "Climate Policy and Moral Consumers," Scandinavian Journal of Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 123(4), pages 1190-1226, October.
    5. Robert N. Stavins, 1998. "What Can We Learn from the Grand Policy Experiment? Lessons from SO2 Allowance Trading," Journal of Economic Perspectives, American Economic Association, vol. 12(3), pages 69-88, Summer.
    6. Samuel Bowles & Sandra Polania-Reyes, 2012. "Economic Incentives and Social Preferences: Substitutes or Complements?," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 50(2), pages 368-425, June.
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