Public Support and Intended Use of Renewable Energy: An Exploratory Model of Environmental Belief, Actions, and Communication

Abstract

本研究探討影響公眾再生能源支持及使用的因素。透過對台灣成年人代表性樣本的電訪可知，對能源議題的認知評價及環境信念雖與支持再生能源有關，卻是具主動特質的實際環境行動及行動效能可預測使用意願。在議題傳播要素中，也是主動傳播而非管道接收多元程度，可有效預測支持態度及使用意願。綜言之，針對具有大我環境價值規範的再生能源議題，主動特質因子的加入可強化推動效果，本研究期藉此找出增進公眾參與能源議題的切入點。

This study investigated factors contributing to public support for and intention to adopt renewable energy. A nationwide telephone survey was conducted on a representative sample of Taiwanese adults. The results indicated that cognitive evaluation of the energy issue and environmental belief were positively related to support for renewable energy. However, environmental behaviors and action efficacy positively predicted intention to use renewable energy. The predicted power of active communication, such as taking the initiative to seek relevant information and share it with others, was stronger than that of information diversity on both support and use intention. Generally, the study revealed the value of including active engagement -- related factors when promoting subjects that entail environmental norms broader than mere appeal to self-interest, such as renewable energy. This paper hopefully elucidates research and practices that enhance public engagement in energy decisions.