Beliefs,perceived risk,obstacles and intention to act. An explanatory model for mitigation and coping behaviours regarding climate change ( Creencias,percepción de riesgo,obstáculos e intención de actuar. Un modelo explicativo de conductas de mitigación y afrontamiento ante el cambio climático )

Abstract

Mitigation behaviours regarding climate change are actions that seek to halt or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptive responses, on the other hand, are coping reactions to this phenomenon. The research presented here tested out an explanatory model for mitigation behaviours and coping reactions in response to the phenomenon of climate change (perceived risk and impact on the environment and health) based on beliefs regarding CC, obstacles to protect oneself from this phenomenon and intention to act. A total of 370 people from two Mexican cities took part in the research. The findings, processed by a structural equations model, show that beliefs regarding CC influence coping responses and intention to act, which in turn positively impact mitigation behaviours in response to CC. Beliefs regarding CC did not affect the perception of obstacles to protect oneself from climate change. Furthermore, the perception of obstacles and coping responses similarly did not influence intention to act.