Climate change perceptions and energy-use decisions in Northern Sweden

Abstract

Lay perceptions of global climate change were examined in the Swedish town of Umeå. Interviews revealed that some residents believed temperatures were becoming warmer, but few perceived linkages between the threat of global climate change and energy use. The desire to reduce household expenditure motivated conservation measures more than concerns about environmental issues. The greenhouse effect was confused with the issue of stratospheric ozone depletion and reductions in the use of aerosol cans were judged to be appropriate policy responses to the threat of greenhouse warming.