Will environmental concern contribute to the transition of household cleaner cooking?

Abstract

Access to clean cooking is a vital sustainable development goal, yet achieving it poses challenges within the current trend. We should now investigate whether the increasing environmental concern would drive a shift towards cleaner cooking or potentially lead to the abandonment of pro-environmental behaviors. Based on China's national micro survey data from 2012 to 2018, the results of multiple econometric models are: (1) Residents' environmental concern about environmental issues positively contributes to households use of non-solid clean cooking fuels. (2) Rising income levels and urbanization promote a smoother transition towards cleaner cooking. (3) Higher education and Internet access can reinforce the role of environmental concern. (4) The transition to cleaner cooking fuels has a net reduction in household expenditure, as it slightly increases fuel costs but significantly reduces health expenditures. The importance of environmental concern in household energy decision-making is highlighted, and suggestions are provided to promote the cleaner transition of household cooking energy.