Knowledge,agency and collective action as barriers to energy-saving behaviour |
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Authors: | Debby Cotton Wendy Miller Jennie Winter Ian Bailey Stephen Sterling |
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Affiliation: | 1. Pedagogic Research Institute and Observatory, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK;2. School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK;3. Centre for Sustainable Futures, Plymouth University, Plymouth, UK |
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Abstract: | Energy saving is becoming a rising priority as a response to climate change and fossil fuel depletion in recent years. However, despite energy-related behaviour change being an important part of many environmental education initiatives, “energy literacy” among citizens remains patchy in both the USA and the UK, with evidence of strong positive attitudes but less consistent knowledge. Whilst it is clear that increasing knowledge does not automatically produce behaviour changes, potential questions must be asked about the logic of focusing solely on behaviour without simultaneously exploring and enhancing understanding of energy issues. This research, undertaken at a higher education institution with a strong focus on sustainability, illustrates the potential risks of targeting behaviour change and individual action at the expense of increasing knowledge, or encouraging collaborative and democratic endeavours. Results from an online survey indicate widespread misconceptions about energy which may reduce the effectiveness of energy-saving behaviours, alongside variable levels of motivation and engagement with energy issues. Respondents report a strong belief in the efficacy of personal changes, yet uncertainty about their capacity to influence business and government alongside a persistent faith in science to provide solutions to energy issues. The paper concludes by reflecting on the challenges arising from these findings for understanding agency and effectiveness in energy relationships. |
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Keywords: | energy literacy higher education knowledge trust agency behaviour |
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