Fostering Climate Consciousness: Decoding Human Behavior’s Influence on Climate Change Mitigation

Abstract

Climate change is the worst crisis humankind is dealing with at present. There have been numerous occasions when countries collaborated, promised, and considered taking drastic measures to prevent climate change. This review paper will delve into solutions to climate change that stem from all individuals taking collaborative actions to implement behaviour change models. Moreover, concepts that emphasise the re-using, recycling, and Circular Economy will be discussed to understand, implement, and connect with reducing the effect of climate change.

Key terms –

A. Behavioural change model

1. Norm activation model (NAM)- Explains why people engage in environmentally friendly behaviour and factors affecting their behaviour.
2. The transtheoretical model (TTM – An individual needs to undergo a 5-step transformation to change a particular behaviour

B. Circular Economy (CE) – The Concept encourages people to reuse and use their resources repeatedly.

C. Bio-degradation and Bio-transformation, Pro-environmental (Climate-friendly) behaviour- Individual’s behaviour to take protective action against climate change.

D. Climate Change Mitigation- Refers to activities taken to reduce the effect of climate change.

Section 1. Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges the world is facing, with far-reaching implications not only for the environment but also for the economy and society on a large scale. Understanding the intricacies of climate change and its drivers is imperative, which is crucial for formulating effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. This review paper delves into the multifaceted climate change phenomenon, exploring its causes, impacts, and potential solutions through behavioural change models.

What is Climate Change?

Why is it happening? The phenomenon of climate change is primarily driven by human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). These emissions result from various sources, including burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices. The accumulation of GHGs in the atmosphere traps heat, leading to a gradual rise in global temperatures—a phenomenon commonly referred to as global warming.

Who is responsible? While climate change affects all regions and populations worldwide, its impacts are not distributed evenly. Historically, developed nations have been responsible for most GHG emissions. However, emerging and developing economies are also becoming significant contributors to the problem as they industrialise and modernise their economies. Understanding the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders is essential for fostering international cooperation and collective action to address climate change effectively.

What is the Behavior Change Model? Behaviour change models provide valuable insights into understanding and influencing human behaviour in the context of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. Two prominent models—the Norm Activation Model (NAM) and the Transtheoretical Model—offer frameworks for understanding the psychological processes underlying behaviour change.

The paper is organized as follows – key terms will be described in detail with figures, then behaviour change models will be discussed, and how they are linked to controlling climate change problems. Moving ahead, we will discuss the use and recycling of plastic and the problems associated with it. Moreover, the different types of plastic found and their impact on the human body. Lastly, the solution for reducing climate change problems is to use a behaviour change model.

The key terms are listed and described in detail with the figures to understand them and their impact.

Section 2. Explanation of models

2.1 Norm activation model (NAM)

Figure 1A shows the steps for the norm activation model.

The Norm activation model explains why people engage in environmentally friendly behaviour. It states that people engaging in environmentally friendly behaviour are influenced by a series of psychological factors such as personal connection, understanding of consequences, personal responsibility, etc. Moreover, an individual’s behaviour is also shaped by the awareness of consequences (both positive and negative) and needs that are personally connected. Similarly, the ability and efficacy of an individual to perform the task also affect the behaviour change.

As per Figure 1, NAM’s methodology states that once the individual is affected by any factor, it leads to personal connection, which encourages them to change. However, other factors, such as the ability to change, also affect it. However, the second model (TTM) states that for any behaviour change, there are five main steps to be addressed that lead to a change in behaviour.

Looking at the models shows that both models have different methodologies. NAM is a simplified version, where external factors influence the person, whereas TTM has stages of behaviour changes, and not any one factor can lead to consistent changed behaviour which is listed below.

2.2 Transtheoretical model (TTM)

Figure 1B shows the transtheoretical model steps.

TTM explains how an individual undergoes several behavioural transformations to change a specific behaviour (Attitude). The five-step process starts from pre-contemplation (totally being unaware) and continues with maintaining (Completely aware and sustaining the changed behaviour towards climate change). Initially, an individual is entirely ignorant, and in contemplation, the person thinks of taking the action but is unsure when. In stage three, the person plans to take action within the next month. In stage four, the person starts to take action for six months, and finally, in stage 5, the person has been taking action and trying to maintain it.

However, TTM focuses on informing the individual about the positive impacts of behavioural changes and intrinsic factors. Moreover, as per TTM, the intervention should focus on telling the advantages of behaviour change and empowering and rewarding behaviour change during the last stages.

Another central concept that significantly influences the reduction of the effect of climate change is the “Circular economy.” A change in the old model of mining the resources, forming the products, and then throwing them as waste.

2.3 Circular Economy (CE)

The circular economy is a model that aims to use resources primarily by reusing and utilising them repeatedly. Circular economics seeks to produce products that last longer and have a long lifespan.

Figure 1C shows steps for Circular economics (CE)¹.

The circular economy concept encourages individuals to reuse and utilise their resources repeatedly and for longer. It aims to design out the activities linked to climate change. Secondly, it focuses on keeping products and materials in use for a longer duration of time. This type of practice encourages multiple uses of material instead of just using it for a particular purpose.

Circular Economics is one of the most essential concepts, as it offers a stark alternative to the linear economy concept, which states take, use and dispose of. Today, the world’s population is up to 8 billion, and middle-class consumers are rapidly growing. According to a United Nations report, global material extraction has tripled since 1970, and only 10% of the raw material has been used.

Moreover, the idea aims to recycle and remanufacture the used material that will be helpful in the betterment of the environment and would be cost-effective. The main aim is to extend the product’s durability and minimise waste by reusing the thrown-away product.

Looking at the importance of a circular economy, the following key concept is climate change mitigation, which aims to reduce the heat-trapping gasses (GHG) from the atmosphere.

2.4 Climate Change Mitigation (CCM)

Figure 1D showing Climate change mitigation and adaption steps-²

Climate change mitigation refers to activities, events, and actions taken to reduce or slow down the emission of greenhouse gases. Several activities, like reforestation, waste management, sustainable agriculture, etc., reduce GHG emissions. Secondly, adaption refers to managing risks associated with climate change, like protection against flood, upgrading the infrastructure as per the requirement, etc. The idea is to reshape everything from powering the economy to travelling worldwide, eating food, daily lifestyle, etc. Moreover, the aim is to reduce the activities that increase the effect of climate change.

To mitigate climate change, actions need to be taken to slow down and reduce the impact of climate change by cutting GHG emissions from primary sources such as factories, vehicles, etc. The United States set the goal to reduce GHG by 50% in 2030 (below the 2005 level), to reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity, achieving net zero emission economics by 2050.

Section 3. Impacts of Climate Change and Plastic Pollution

Climate change exacerbates existing environmental challenges, including plastic pollution, which poses significant threats to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Different types of plastic, such as single-use plastics, contribute to pollution across land and sea, persisting in the environment for decades or even centuries. Understanding the impacts of plastic pollution by category is essential for developing targeted strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on ecosystems and human well-being.

In this review paper, we aim to explore the complex interplay between behaviour change, climate change, and plastic pollution, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and collaborative efforts in addressing these interconnected challenges.

3.1 The Plastic Embedded in Daily Life

Plastic has always been a lifeline in assisting an individual in daily life, packaging personal/professional items, and carrying them easily. Moreover, their cost-effective production with significant margins in selling acts as a big barrier in acting as a resistive force. However, with all the attractive beauties, you could be the next victim like “Ali³,” and no one could understand your problem. Ali, just like an average person, used to work in a plastic recycling factory; however, due to continuous exposure to plastic chemicals, he became a victim of a breathing problem that forced him to quit his good-paying job, which is thought to be linked with air pollution in a recycling centre.

Figure 2A above shows health problems as a result of being in contact with plastic and the hormonal changes that happen, leading to multiple diseases, disorders and cancer. As stated, thyroid disorders, diabetes, Obesity, Infertility, Low Birth Weight, and asthma could be the result of continuous interaction with plastic. These are some of the most common problems with most of the world, such as deadlines. Although they have multiple reasons, one of the major reasons is the plastic interaction.

3.2 To what extent can plastic harm the human body?

According to WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature⁴), an average person could ingest 5 grams of plastic every week, almost equivalent to a credit card. Moreover, twice the amount of plastic in the United States is in European or Indonesian water.
In 2022, scientists from the UK announced that they had found tiny plastic particles deep in a surgical patient’s lungs and an anonymous blood donor⁵.

Moreover, plastic has been documented in all parts of the lungs, placental tissue, human breast milk, and human blood. That means humans are consuming plastic, and mothers are feeding plastic to their babies.

However, the studies are still in the initial stages of understanding the severe consequences of the microplastic present in blood. However, studies show that high microplastic concentrations can cause inflammation, symptoms like asthma, and damage tissue.

Furthermore, microplastic has been found to affect microbes in the gut.

The most significant development of microplastics was the presence of it in indoor and outdoor environments. Couceiro (an Expert at the Univeristy of Portsmouth)⁶, states that the number of microplastics found indoors is higher than outdoors, and humans spend 90% of the time indoors. Moreover, Environmental Science & Technology (2021) published a study that showed that individuals with high faecal microplastic concentration were severely affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Figure 2B above shows five different types of plastic (Polyethylene terephthalate, polyethene, polymethyl methacrylate, and polymers of styrene) and their amount in micrograms per ml of blood found in donors’ blood. As per the figure, there were 19 donors, and in all of them, at least one type of plastic was found. In most of them, there were two types of plastic; in individuals, three types were found. The y-a states the amount of plastic, showing that most had 0 to 3.5 micrograms ml. Only a few (3) had more than four micrograms per ml; the highest was around 12.3 micrograms per ml.

According to “The Earth,” the world generates 400 million tonnes yearly, and the United States generates 42 million metric tonnes of plastic alone (10%), the highest in the world and twice that of China. Moreover, it is stated that 100,00 animals die from plastic entanglement each year.

The United States is responsible for producing 232 million metric tonnes of greenhouse gasses each year in the production of plastic. It is expected that by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions in plastic production will be surpassed by coal.

Plastics are made from a complex combination of toxic additives and chemicals that give strength and flexibility. According to California State Water Resources Control, plastic contains 10,000 unique chemicals⁷.

3.3 Plastic Litter and Problems

Plastics make up 50 % of marine and beach litter in Europe, and it has killed hundreds of thousands of sea turtles, seals, whales, and seabirds due to ingestion or entanglement.

The figure shows specific plastic and the enzyme required to degrade the plastic. PLA (poly lactic acid is hydrolysed by amycolatopsis serine proteases enzyme, PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) is hydrolysed by PHA depolymerase, PCL (Polycaprolactone) is hydrolysed by Cutinases and the figure also shows the product formed.

Section 4. Different types of plastic and effects

1. Oil-Based Plastic
2. Bio Plastic
3. Microplastic
4. PLA (Polylactic acid)
5. Polyhydroxyalkanoate

4.1 How do different types of plastic affect? And what’s next for plastic?

The variety of strength of plastic makes it an ideal material for extensive population use. However, most plastic produced is single-use plastic coupled with the throwaway behaviour. This behaviour leads to the accumulation of plastic and an exponential increase in plastic pollution.

The figure above shows seven different types of plastic and their uses in different sectors. This is a significant category covering all the types of plastic used worldwide. These plastics can be categorised as oil-based and non-oil-based plastic. The Biodegradation and transformation of oil-based and non-oil-based plastic will be discussed further.

4.2 Questions – How to change?

Answer – Change human behaviour and implement the human behaviour models.

The actions taken by federal and local governments to reduce the effect of climate change and plastic waste are appreciable, but more is needed to solve the problem. The action must come collectively from all individuals to get the sign of the effect.
The Collective actions of each individual are to show a change in attitude toward climate. The shift in attitude will come through applying and implementing the human behavioural model.

1. Norm activation model (NAM)

NAM prioritises the power of social norms and regulation to influence behaviour, meaning consistently highlighting and emphasising the need for climate change and its disastrous effect will motivate the individual to act positively.

2. Transtheoretical model (TTM

The transtheoretical multi-approach model states that the behavioural change would occur over time and allows intervention at each stage. TTM considers various factors, like individual beliefs, attitudes, and environmental factors.

3. Circular economics (CE)

• Reuse, Recycle
• Prevent

4. Systemic Barriers:
An Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report found systemic energy, transportation, and land use changes are necessary to achieve net-zero emissions.

Section 5. Recycling rate and effect of recycling

The figure gives a detailed idea about the recycling rates in the United States. Six challenges must be addressed to improve the recycling rates (Consumer behaviour, Access to recycling, collection/sortation capabilities, resource capability, and economics). A total of 35 million tons of plastic is produced in the United States.

If actions are not taken, the consequences may get out of control and lead to disastrous effects. Not taking action shows that we are destroying our home and environment and making Earth a problematic place for future generations.

5.1 Is there a second home?

Although there has been rigorous research for sustaining conditions on other planets for humans to live in, it is way too long and needs more assurance. Since this is the only place for humans to live, all humanity must act upon it and change their thawing attitude.

6. Future: Discussion and Conclusion

7.1 Life at risk

Recent studies have shown the increased concentration of microplastic in indoor environments rather than outdoor environments, which leads to severe threats and various ways for microplastics to get into the human body: E.g., inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. The samples of microplastics in indoor environments showed a significant threat and one of the reasons for exposure. However, exposure to microplastics through ingesting food, beverages, etc, is unstoppable. This is highly alarming because most people spend 90% of their time indoors, which aids the exposure.

Studies have found that microplastic with a size of less than 20 micrometres can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, and microplastic with less than 5 micrometres can be engulfed by cells and translocated to accumulate in different organs. The ingestion of microplastics may lead to their accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract and other organs, posing potential risks to human health.

The figure above shows indoor air, outdoor air, water and beverages, food, dust, cosmetics and synthetic fabrics as the main ways of exposure to microplastic. They are divided into three main categories (Inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact).

6.2 The solution to the plastic problem

To prevent the escalation of microplastic concentrations in the human body, there is an urgent need to quantify microplastic’s indoor and outdoor concentrations. Moreover, there is an urgent need for a deep investigation into the contribution of food items and the packaging of food items that contribute to the ingesting of microplastics.

Although there is no idea of reducing human exposure to microplastics, since microplastics are found in reduced concentration in outdoor environments, it is advisable to spend more time outside. Since the outdoor environment is open, the microplastic concentration dilutes, which causes it to decrease. Furthermore, tearing, breaking or cutting the plastic may generate microplastic in the environment; lastly, plastic pollution originates from the packaging, so consumers need to prevent and forbid buying products with plastic packaging. To mitigate the pollution of microplastic, policymakers need to resolve plastic production.

6.3 Nothing can be done if the behaviour change does not happen

Getting into a solution to prevent exposure to plastic pollution is a good idea. However, the required purpose will only be fulfilled if the behaviour of the individual changes. All the solutions mentioned require behaviour change in the individual, which will stem from the intervention and implementation of the behaviour change model.

6.4 Linking Behavioral Change Models to Climate Change

Circular Economy (CE), bio-degradation, bio-transformation, and pro-environmental behaviour are interconnected concepts that play pivotal roles in mitigating climate change. Circular Economy promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction by designing products for reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing, thereby minimising environmental impact. Bio-degradation and bio-transformation processes offer sustainable solutions for managing organic waste and reducing reliance on fossil-based materials. Pro-environmental behaviour encompasses a range of actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and support climate-friendly practices.

6.5 A combination of Behavior Models is a good idea.

All individual behaviour change models are effective in different ways and have limitations. However, only some intervention types are effective, meaning combining the behaviour model and intervention is the best. To change behaviour, new goals must be achieved, and individuals should be challenged and engaged to achieve their goals. Moreover, social, emotional, and cultural factors are subject to change depending on the geographical location.

Many authors state that high-impact behaviour should be concentrated, for instance, by reducing car and air travel usage, lowering household energy consumption, and decreasing emissions regarding food.

The answer to the climate change problem is a significant shift in human behaviour in combination with technological assistance that addresses it.

Footnotes

1. Wikipedia. “Circular Economy.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Mar. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_economy.
2. Amazing World With Mr. Green
3. Human Right Watch
4. World Wide Fund for Nature
5. National Geographic
6. Popular Science
7. National Geographic
8. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/chemicals/our-insights/accelerating-plastic-recovery-in-the-united-states

References

Abutaleb, S., El-Bassiouny, N., & Hamed, S. (2023). Using norm activation theory to understand intentions for collaborative consumption. International Review on Public and Nonprofit Marketing, 20(1), 245–268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12208-022-00339-1

Accelerating plastic recovery in the United States | McKinsey. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/chemicals/our-insights/accelerating-plastic-recovery-in-the-united-states

Circular economy. (2024). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Circular_economy&oldid=1210644667

Circular economy. – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_economy.

Climate Change: Global Temperature | NOAA Climate.gov. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2024, from http://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature

Cohen, L. (2023, December 5). 2023 is officially the hottest year ever recorded, and scientists say “the temperature will keep rising”—CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2023-hottest-year-ever-recorded-scientists-temperatures/

Delgado, C. (2022, April 18). Microplastics have officially been found in our bodies. Here’s what that means for human health. Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/environment/microplastic-human-health/

ESS Topic 7.3: Climate change – Mitigation and Adaptation. (n.d.). AMAZING WORLD OF SCIENCE WITH MR. GREEN. Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://www.mrgscience.com/ess-topic-73-climate-change-ndash-mitigation-and-adaptation.html

Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? (2023a, May 8). Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-h ow-much-do-they-harm-us

Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? (2023b, May 8). Environment. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-h ow-much-do-they-harm-us

Onwezen, M. C., Antonides, G., & Bartels, J. (2013). The Norm Activation Model: An exploration of the functions of anticipated pride and guilt in pro-environmental behavior. Journal of Economic Psychology, 39, 141–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joep.2013.07.005

Revealed: Plastic ingestion by people could be equating to a credit card a week. (n.d.). Retrieved March 3, 2024, from https://wwf.panda.org/wwf_news/?348337/Revealed-plastic-ingestion-by-people-could-be-e quating-to-a-credit-card-a-week

Shennum, K. (2022). “It’s As If They’re Poisoning Us.” Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/report/2022/09/21/its-if-theyre-poisoning-us/health-impacts-plastic-rec ycling-turkey

Theory Lit Analysis: The Importance of the Transtheoretical Model. (2014, November 30). Through the Eyes of Global Public Health. https://valenbv26.wordpress.com/2014/11/30/theory-lit-analysis-the-importance-of-the-tran stheoretical-model/

Bergquist, M., Thiel, M., Goldberg, M. H., & van der Linden, S. (2023). Field interventions for climate change mitigation behaviors: A second-order meta-analysis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 120(13), e2214851120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2214851120

Cantzler, J., Creutzig, F., Ayargarnchanakul, E., Javaid, A., Wong, L., & Haas, W. (2020). Saving resources and the climate? A systematic review of the circular economy and its mitigation potential. Environmental Research Letters, 15(12), 123001. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abbeb7

Feigin, S. V., Wiebers, D. O., Lueddeke, G., Morand, S., Lee, K., Knight, A., Brainin, M., Feigin, V. L., Whitfort, A., Marcum, J., Shackelford, T. K., Skerratt, L. F., & Winkler, A. S. (2023). Proposed solutions to anthropogenic climate change: A systematic literature review and a new way forward. Heliyon, 9(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20544

Narancic, T., & O’Connor, K. E. (2019). Plastic waste as a global challenge: Are biodegradable plastics the answer to the plastic waste problem? Microbiology, 165(2), 129–137. https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.000749

Notes for “Climate change action as a project of identity:” V3. (n.d.). Google Docs. Retrieved January 14, 2024, from https://docs.google.com/document/d/13W-JvYnGJkkXuOsxsKvk6URkUx47pgMeev0UFiKpVt s/edit?usp=sharing&urp=gmail_link&usp=embed_facebook

Notes for “systematic review to assess the evidence-based effectiveness” V2. (n.d.). Google Docs. Retrieved January 14, 2024, from https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KJLruAZ6JaezlByHCCLL7EC9Mh-74ANPWM8WiPL HkrI/edit?usp=sharing&urp=gmail_link&usp=embed_facebook

Rau, H., Nicolai, S., & Stoll-Kleemann, S. (2022). A systematic review to assess the evidence-based effectiveness, content, and success factors of behavior change interventions for enhancing pro-environmental behavior in individuals. Frontiers in Psychology, 13. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.901927

Vesely, S., Masson, T., Chokrai, P., Becker, A. M., Fritsche, I., Klöckner, C. A., Tiberio, L., Carrus, G., & Panno, A. (2021). Climate change action as a project of identity: Eight meta-analyses. Global Environmental Change, 70, 102322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102322

---