Factors Affecting Public Support for Energy-Saving and Carbon-Reduction Policies

• Main Authors: Tzu-ting Lin, 林子婷
• Other Authors: San-Pui Lam
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2011
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/38151882816433712381

碩士 === 國立中山大學 === 公共事務管理研究所 === 99 === To lessen the threats of global climate change, governments have to set and enforce robust polices to save energy and reduce greenhouse gases. But will the public support these policies? And what cognitive factors will affect the public''s support? To answer these two questions, this study surveyed a convenience sample consisted of 171 Taichung citizens and 132 Kaohsiung citizens. The survey questionnaire asked questions for 2 variables about the threats of climate change and 5 variables about carbon reducing policies. The variables were vulnerability, severity, personal benefit, social benefit, response efficacy, self-efficacy, and response cost. All these were cognitive variables based on Rogers'' (1983) protection motivation theory. The latter 5 variables were assessed for each of the 3 policies mentioned in the questionnaire. The policies were (a) rebate on electric bills for energy saving; (b) energy tax; and (c) ordering public places to keep temperatures above 26 degrees Celsius in summer. Results showed that though respondents moderately supported energy taxation policy, this policy was the least welcomed. Further, personal benefit, social benefit and self-efficacy had significant effects on all three policies. In contrast, perceived vulnerability to climate threats and response cost (policy-induced personal cost) had no effect on any of the policies. Implications of these findings are discussed.