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Title:

Public Understanding of Climate Change and the Gaps Between Knowledge, Attitudes, and Travel Behavior

Accession Number:

01126793

Language:

English

Source Data:

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2009 Paper #09-2974

Abstract:

Climate change is the most serious threat facing mankind in the 21st century; it has been linked to human activities and the impacts of global climate change will persevere for years to come. The transport sector is responsible for a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions linked to climate change and it is the only sector with rising emissions. Public awareness of the impacts of transport on climate change appears to be high, and a high degree of concern on environmental issues is expressed. However this is not reflected in corresponding lifestyle choices implying the existence of an attitude-behavior gap. A series of postal questionnaires on climatic awareness and attitudes were distributed to a random population in an area of the UK. A representative sample of the UK population was obtained in terms of demographic and socio-economic characteristics, transport use, availability of public/private transport options, and views on climate change and travel behavior. This paper shows that the role of information on climate change needs to change. Knowledge and concern for climate change is evident as well as an acceptance of the role individuals have in this. Providing more tailored information therefore, has significant potential in providing the type of information required and encouraging sustainable travel behavior. Attempts to increase public awareness of climatic issues now need to be re-focused on encouraging people to act voluntarily on their attitudes, values and beliefs. Behavioral change is highly supported and preferred over fiscal measures, but requires more information than is currently available.

TRIS Files:

HRIS, UMTRIS

Report Numbers:

09-2974

Media Type:

DVD

Pagination:

16p

Authors:

Howarth, Candice

chowarth@soton.ac.uk
University of Southampton, United Kingdom

Waterson, Ben

b.j.waterson@soton.ac.uk
University of Southhampton, United Kingdom

McDonald, Michael

mm7@soton.ac.uk
University of Southampton, United Kingdom

Monograph Accession #:

01120148

Publication Date:

2009

Conference:

Transportation Research Board 88th Annual Meeting

Location: Washington DC
Date: 2009/1/11 to 2009/1/15
Sponsors: Transportation Research Board

Corporate Authors:

Transportation Research Board

500 Fifth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001 USA

Availability:

Find a library where document is available

Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/6

Features:

References (29) ; Tables (1)

Index Terms:

Attitudes; Awareness; Climate change; Environmental impacts; Great Britain; Greenhouse gases; Knowledge; Public transit; Socioeconomic factors; Transit operating agencies; Travel behavior; United Kingdom

Subject Areas:

Environment; Highways; Public Transportation; I15: Environment

Last Modified:

Apr 17 2009 9:56AM