Differential environmental psychological factors in determining low carbon behaviour among urban and suburban residents through responsible environmental behaviour model

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change has created significant concern, especially among policymakers. Psychological (human) factors have been acknowledged for their contribution in affecting behaviour, including low carbon behaviour and impede carbon emissions impacts. However, policymakers had lay little attention on this matter. Urban and suburban regions lead to attribution of differentiated public low carbon behaviour. This study aims to examine low carbon behaviour among urban and suburban Malaysians by using Responsible Environmental Behaviour Model. A nationwide study was conducted to examine environmental awareness and behaviour from 13 states and three federal territories. A total of 6616 valid questionnaires completed in person were collected following face-to-face distribution in urban and suburban areas throughout Malaysia. Structural equation modelling was conducted using SmartPLS software version 2.0 M3. The results showed that prediction of low carbon behaviour by low carbon awareness among residents differs significantly across urban and suburban areas. The findings from this study highlighted the interrelationship of psychological factors in determining low carbon behaviour. The results were used as a reference base for policymakers in designing more sophisticated nationwide-sustainable-development and decision-making of low carbon action plan.