Psychology of Environmental Sustainability: Examining Intersections between Perceptions of Environmental Fear, Renewable Energy, and Levels of Education

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Sunday 7:45 am
  In Poster Session: Educating for Climate Literacy and Justice: Preparing Teachers, Students, Communities, and Institutions for Sustainable Futures

Abstract

This study employed a load-capacity-factor perspective to investigate the influence of renewable energy, highly educated people, and per capita income on environmental quality. A longitudinal panel data analysis was conducted, encompassing 513 observations from 27 OECD countries for the period 2004-2022. Findings showed that higher levels of education also emerged as a crucial factor in increasing the load capacity factor. On the contrary, less educated individuals negatively affected the load capacity factor and reduced environmental quality. Fear of environmental degradation moderated the behaviors of less-educated people, which negatively affect environmental quality. Study's findings would guide policymakers in formulating policies that address factors affecting ecological footprints and potential intervention strategies by integrating socio-economic indicators, education levels, and perceptions of climate change.

Authors

• Ferhat Ozbay, Isparta University of Applied Sciences

• Zafer Adiguzel, Sakarya University of Applied Sciences

• Ibrahim Duyar, Arkansas State University