Surveying Climate-Relevant Behavior: Measurements, Obstacles, and Implications

This open-access book discusses the contribution of sociology and survey research to climate research, focusing on the measurement of climate-relevant behaviors with population surveys and developing an instrument to estimate GHG emissions. The instruments were tested in 31 European countries and considered the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on environmental attitudes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 159 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive open-access book delves into the invaluable contributions of sociology and survey research to the field of climate research. The authors meticulously address a series of critical questions, including which behaviors hold significance in the context of climate change, who engages in these behaviors, under what circumstances do they occur, and how do individual perceptions and values intertwine with them. By employing survey research methodologies, the book specifically focuses on measuring climate-relevant behaviors through population surveys, ultimately developing a robust instrument capable of accurately estimating an individual's greenhouse gas emissions with a minimal number of core items. While the foundation of these instruments was laid through surveys and qualitative interviews conducted in Austria, their validity and international applicability were subsequently tested in a comprehensive set of 31 European countries. This rigorous testing process underscores the project's global significance. Furthermore, the book concludes with a brief exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on environmental attitudes, placing the project within a broader global context.

Introduction:
The study of climate change has become increasingly urgent in recent years, as the impacts of human activities on the environment become more pronounced. Sociologists and survey researchers have played a crucial role in understanding the drivers and consequences of climate change, and their contributions have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the issue.

Sociological Perspective:
Sociologists have explored the social and cultural factors that contribute to climate change, including individual attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. They have studied the role of social norms, social networks, and power structures in shaping people's actions and decisions related to the environment. Sociological research has also highlighted the importance of social inequality and the marginalized communities that are often disproportionately affected by climate change.

Survey Research:
Survey research has been a powerful tool for studying climate change, as it allows researchers to collect data from large populations quickly and efficiently. Survey researchers have developed a range of instruments that measure climate-relevant behaviors, such as energy consumption, transportation choices, and waste management practices. These instruments have been used to study the prevalence of climate-friendly behaviors and to identify the factors that influence people's behavior.

Instruments:
One of the key contributions of sociology and survey research to climate research has been the development of robust instruments that measure climate-relevant behaviors. These instruments typically include a set of questions that assess an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors related to climate change. For example, a survey may ask about an individual's energy consumption habits, their use of public transportation, or their recycling practices.

Validation:
To ensure the validity and reliability of these instruments, survey researchers have conducted extensive validation studies. These studies involve testing the instrument in different populations and contexts to ensure that it measures what it is intended to measure and that it is reliable and valid. Validation studies have been critical in ensuring that the results of survey research are accurate and can be used to make meaningful conclusions.

International Relevance:
The instruments developed by sociology and survey research have been used not only in Austria but also in a wide range of other European countries. This international relevance of the research highlights the importance of cross-cultural and cross-national comparisons in understanding climate change.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, sociology and survey research have made significant contributions to climate research. By exploring the social and cultural factors that influence climate change, developing robust instruments to measure climate-relevant behaviors, and conducting validation studies, researchers have helped to advance our understanding of the issue and to identify potential solutions. As we continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change, the insights and expertise of sociologists and survey researchers will be essential in shaping our response.

Weight: 381g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030857950
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022