Determinants of energy-saving behavior among the youth: Does migration play a moderating role?

Abstract

Recent decades have been marked by significant climatic changes and serious environmental damage. This phenomenon is growing more ubiquitous over time and across borders, majorly due to the alarming increase in global energy consumption. Considering the urgent need of reversing the current adverse environmental trends, this study contributes to elucidating the determinants shaping energy-saving behavior among the youth, the central agents of the future economy. We base our analysis on the eminent theory of planned behavior, with the addition of pro-environmental knowledge as a predictor and migration status as a moderator. Crucial findings have been drawn via a structural equation model approach from survey data on 1303 people aged 18 to 29. First, pro-environmental knowledge and subjective norms, through the media of attitude and perceived behavioral control, can predict energy-saving intentions and behavior among the youth. Second, migration status casts a widespread moderating effect across all translation routes, from knowledge to energy-saving behavior. This study is a serious attempt to enrich the relevant literature, further covering the population of the youth and the context of emerging nations. It also provides more in-depth insights into the psychological mechanism underlying the formulation of energy-saving behavior, with the issue of migration being considered. These findings highlight the importance of a migration-specific perspective in designing policies and subsequent programs geared toward energy conservation.