What matters for sustainability and climate change actions in developing countries: A stimulus–organism–behavior– consequence (SOBC) perspective

Abstract

Sustainable behaviors demand wielding communication strategies in social and political spheres for public understanding of scientific issues like climate change and the severe consequences of deteriorating environmental quality. Reliable information can improve public understanding of science and enhance public support for climate change actions at social and political levels. This study strives to examine the socio-political and psychological factors that affect climate change actions based on the stimulus-organism-behavior-consequences paradigm. This study further categorizes sustainable behavior into mitigation and adaptation strategies to capture behavioral consequences with the moderating effects of information literacy and a regulative environment. Empirical findings demonstrate interesting associations between socio-political and psychological factors. Significant effects were observed for environmental quality and belief in climate change in explaining pro-environmental behavior. This study reveals that people are more prone to mitigation than adaptation strategies to ensure sustainability and recommends better communication strategies to empower those already engaged in mitigating climate change and encourage those still struggling to adapt to climate change actions.

Pro-environmental behavior and the theory of planned behavior: a state of the art science mapping

“…(4) Cluster 4 (yellow): This cluster is formed with 7 keywords, labeled "Climate Change Knowledge for Effective Conservation Management". Individuals with knowledge of climate change are the ones who accept that climate change is happening (Zerva et al, 2018;Sammie et al, 2021;Tan et al, 2023;Arabatzis and Malesios, 2013). This knowledge would subsequently lead to pro-environmental behavior.…”

Holistic Antecedent Analysis of Behavioral Intention among Green Consumers in the Philippines: A Sustainability Theory of the Planned Behavior Approach

“…Understanding and influencing consumer behavior through marketing and education campaigns can also help promote the demand for sustainable products and practices [14]. While some research suggests developing countries are slowly adapting to sustainable behaviors (e.g., imitating the consumption patterns and behaviors of those in developed countries) [15], most studies focus on a general perspective rather than people's behavioral intention in purchasing green products [16]. A comprehensive examination of pro-environmental or sustainable practices concerning human behavior is yet to be fully explored.…”