Accelerating climate protection by behavioural insights: the Planetary Health Action Survey (PACE)

Abstract

BackgroundThe Planetary Health Action Survey investigates the gap between scientific consensus and collective action to protect our planet's and our own health. Following a theory driven and theory testing approach, we aim to better understand social cognitive processes leading to citizens’ readiness to act against climate change. Our findings could contribute to designing and communicating climate protection policies so that they are supported by the public. To achieve this, planetary health behaviour needs to be better understood. MethodsIn a serial cross-sectional design and accompanying large-scale online experiments, we examine psychological factors that affect health and climate protection-related attitudes and behaviours. Our first survey took place in July, 2021 (n=1521; a German quota sample representing the distribution of age, gender, and federal state of the adult general population). Currently, the survey runs every 4 weeks (around 1000 participants). Along with demographic variables, we assess different paths to understand people's readiness to act against climate change. We assess several determinants of readiness to act, including risk perception, trust in institutions, social norms, perceived response efficacy, self-efficacy, knowledge, and prosociality. Readiness to act is assessed via several indicators that go beyond individual behaviours and include acceptance of climate protection measures, political participation, psychological reactance towards measures, and compliance with measures. FindingsRespondents judged weather events as likely to seriously impact health. They judged health consequences, such as low food quality or poor mental health, as less relevant. Individuals who think that they will be exposed to health risks consider them more serious and are more likely to agree with climate protection measures. From 80 potential measures surveyed (as proposed by the German Climate Citizen Assembly [Bürgerrat Klima Deutschland]), 17 (21%) received more than 75% approval. High approval rates were found for cheaper local transport and reducing food waste, whereas low approval rates were found for regulation of renewable energy or reducing livestock. 167 (11%) of 1521 individuals showed low or no support for all measures. InterpretationWe found that most participants were pro climate protection. Risk perception differed between individuals. The links between climate change and health risks that go beyond heat and extreme weather should be communicated more effectively. Frameworks should be created that facilitate climate-friendly collective and individual action. FundingKlaus Tschira Foundation, German Federal Ministry of Health, Robert Koch Institute, and Federal Center of Health Education.