Influence of Institutional Factors and Perception of Climate Change on Carbon Reduction Behavior in Taiwan Temples

Abstract

In Asian countries where Buddhism and Taoism are mainstream religions, incense burning is a daily practice. Taiwan has the largest religious population in the world, and the ritual culture, especially in Minnan, hinders carbon reduction and impacts the environment negatively. In previous studies, the temple's carbon-reducing behaviors have not been dealt with seriously. Thus, we explored the relationship between the public and the temple's carbon-reducing behaviors under internal and external pressure using institutional theory to understand the public recognition of reducing the use of incense, gold paper burning, and firecrackers. We conducted an integrated analysis of the public's perception of climate change and carbon reduction behavior of temples using institutional theory, a strategy model. The results provide a basis for decision-making and suggestions for government agencies, academics, and companies in environmental protection and can be used to enhance the awareness of environmental protection caring for nature, and sustainable development in Taiwan.