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Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Climate Change".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2023) | Viewed by 36498

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Hongyun Si

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Guest Editor

School of Public Administration and Policy, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Jinan 250014, China
Interests: sustainability; pro-environmental behavior; waste management; shared mobility; low carbon and smart cities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Guangdong Wu

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Guest Editor

School of Public Policy and Administration, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
Interests: organizational behavior; cooperation and conflict management; sustainable construction; sustainability

Dr. Ge Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Public Administration, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: pro-environmental behavior; project management; sustainable construction; corporate social responsibility

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate warming caused by excessive carbon dioxide emissions has disrupted the Earth’s ecosystem and constantly threatened the living environment of organisms. Countries across the globe recognize their role in climate mitigation and are acting to reduce carbon emissions. As a vital reduction strategy recognized globally, carbon neutrality means that within a certain period of time, human beings offset the generated carbon dioxide emissions through afforestation, energy conservation, and emission reduction, in order to achieve “zero emissions”. Human behavioral activities are the main source of carbon emissions. Under the ambitious goal of carbon neutrality, individuals and organizations need to make adaptive changes in their behavior decisions.

This present Special Issue focuses on the explanations and predictions of individual and organizational behavior change in the context of carbon neutrality, as well as the challenges and opportunities that may be faced in this process. Through academic discussion, we aim to explore the guiding experience of low-carbon behavior in different countries and regions and different cultural backgrounds. Indeed, determining how to accurately depict the driving law of low-carbon behavior is one of the key issues of common concern in the fields of management science, environmental science, and behavioral science. Therefore, we especially welcome interdisciplinary literary works. Manuscripts can be empirical research, experimental research, modeling research, critical research, and qualitative research from anywhere in the world. Potential topics include but are not limited to:

Pro-environmental behavior
Residents’ green behavior change
Farmers’ ecological behavior
Low-carbon travel behavior
Organizational citizenship behavior
Climate change adaptation behavior
Resource and energy-saving behavior
Stakeholder perspective
Policy implications

Dr. Hongyun Si
Prof. Dr. Guangdong Wu
Dr. Ge Wang
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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14 pages, 1061 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low-Carbon Path Transformation for Different Types of Enterprises under the Dual-Carbon Target

by Qibao Shi and Weina Xu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065167 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1992

Abstract

Under pressure from the environment and resources, emission peak and carbon neutrality have rapidly become a global issue. The optimization of the ecological goal should be in line with the energy target. In most instances, however, the economic and the ecological goals cannot be unified. This paper establishes a multi-objective optimization model that maximizes the economic benefit of enterprises and the ecosystem activity of the government in the meantime. The idea point method is used in solving this multi-objective optimization problem in the form of a single-objective optimization problem. The numerical experiment documents four types of Chinese enterprises, which are primary resources, industrial manufacturing, public services and commercial consumption. Some management insights are summarized at the end, such as the cores of achieving high-quality and low-carbon development are industrial manufacturing and public services in China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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18 pages, 697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prioritising Climate Change Mitigation Behaviours and Exploring Public Health Co-Benefits: A Delphi Study

by Priyanjali Ratwatte, Helena Wehling, Revati Phalkey and Dale Weston

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5094; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065094 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2553

Abstract

Climate change requires urgent action; however, it can be challenging to identify individual-level behaviours that should be prioritised for maximum impact. The study aimed to prioritise climate change mitigation behaviours according to their impacts on climate change and public health, and to identify associated barriers and facilitators—exploring the impact of observed behaviour shifts associated with COVID-19 in the UK. A three-round Delphi study and expert workshop were conducted: An expert panel rated mitigation behaviours impacted by COVID-19 in relation to their importance regarding health impacts and climate change mitigation using a five-point Likert scale. Consensus on the importance of target behaviours was determined by interquartile ranges. In total, seven target behaviours were prioritised: installing double/triple glazing; installing cavity wall insulation; installing solid wall insulation; moving away from meat/emission heavy diets; reducing the number of cars per household; walking shorter journeys; and reducing day/weekend leisure car journeys. Barriers related to the costs associated with performing behaviours and a lack of complementary policy-regulated subsidies. The target behaviours are consistent with recommendations from previous research. To ensure public uptake, interventions should address behavioural facilitators and barriers, dovetail climate change mitigation with health co-benefits and account for the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on these behaviours. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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25 pages, 2359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Greencoin as an AI-Based Solution Shaping Climate Awareness

by Hanna Obracht-Prondzyńska, Ewa Duda, Helena Anacka and Jolanta Kowal

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11183; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811183 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

Our research aim was to define possible AI-based solutions to be embedded in the Greencoin project, designed as a supportive tool for smart cities to achieve climate neutrality. We used Kamrowska-Załuska’s approach for evaluating AI-based solutions’ potential in urban planning. We narrowed down the research to the educational and economic aspects of smart cities. Furthermore, we used a systematic literature review. We propose solutions supporting the implementation process of net zero policies benefiting from single actions of urban dwellers based on the Greencoin project developed by us. By following smart city sectors, the paper introduces AI-based solutions which can enrich Greencoin by addressing the following needs: (1) shaping pro-environmental behaviors, (2) introducing instruments to reinforce the urban management process, (3) supporting bottom-up initiatives allowing to shape urban resilience, (4) enhancing smart mobility, (5) shaping local economies supporting urban circularity, and (6) allowing better communication with residents. Our research fills the gap in the limited group of studies focused on shaping climate awareness, enhancing smart governance, and supporting social participation and inclusion. It proves that AI-based educational tools can be supportive when implementing adaptation policies toward climate neutrality based on our proposed AI-based model shaping climate awareness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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13 pages, 579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Conceptual Framework of Climate Action Needs of the Least Developed Party Countries of the Paris Agreement

by Usman Sattar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 9941; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19169941 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3430

Abstract

This article provides a framework for conceptualizing climate action needs grounded in the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of the least developed party countries (LDPCs) of the Paris Agreement (PA). It examines the NDCs of 35 LDPCs recorded in the NDC public registry of the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC). A grounded theory approach is adopted to assess what these countries need to materialize their NDCs under the PA. A conceptual framework of needs is figured out through an iterative process of data collection and analysis in three cycles: (1) open and in vivo coding; (2) axial coding; and (3) theoretical or selective coding. The data are analyzed with the help of NVIVO software. The results provide a verifiable framework of needs for climate action, which includes 55 saturated need factors extracted from the writing excerpts of NDCs, 17 sub-categories (axial codes) with climate finance and technology transfer as the most prominent, and 7 theoretical or selective categories with mobilize, educate, governmental, synergic, levels, equity, and public health. It provides a baseline for policy, research, and action from the developed party countries to uphold their PA obligations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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18 pages, 542 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of the Type of Information Played in Environmentally Themed Short Videos on Social Media on People’s Willingness to Protect the Environment

by Shiyong Zheng, Jiarong Cui, Chaojing Sun, Jiaying Li, Biqing Li and Weili Guan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159520 - 3 Aug 2022

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3662

Abstract

This study used a 2 × 2 experimental design to explore the effects of message type (non-narrative vs. narrative information) and social media metrics (high vs. low numbers of plays) of low-carbon-themed social media short videos on people’s willingness to protect the environment. Subjects completed questionnaires after viewing short videos that contained different message types and social media metrics, and a final sample of 295 cases was included in the data analysis. The study found that, while the type of information (i.e., non-narrative or narrative) of the low-carbon-themed social media short videos had no direct effect on people’s willingness to protect the environment, its indirect effects were significant. These indirect effects were achieved through immersion experience and social influence. Subjects who watched narrative videos had a higher level of immersion experience, which in turn was significantly and positively correlated with environmental intention; meanwhile, those who watched non-narrative videos experienced a higher level of social influence, which in turn was significantly and positively correlated with environmental intention. In addition, subjects who viewed high-volume videos experienced a more positive effect on their willingness to protect the environment. This study explored how message design could promote subjects’ perceptions and positive attitudes towards environmental protection, with important managerial implications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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26 pages, 8577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimating the Decoupling between Net Carbon Emissions and Construction Land and Its Driving Factors: Evidence from Shandong Province, China

by Mengcheng Li, Haimeng Liu, Shangkun Yu, Jianshi Wang, Yi Miao and Chengxin Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 8910; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19158910 - 22 Jul 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2307

Abstract

Human activities and land transformation are important factors in the growth of carbon emissions. In recent years, construction land for urban use in China has expanded rapidly. At the same time, carbon emissions in China are among the highest in the world. However, little is known about the relationship between the two factors. This study seeks to estimate the carbon emissions and carbon sequestrations of various types of land based on the land cover data of 137 county-level administrative regions in Shandong Province, China, from 2000 to 2020.The study estimated the carbon emissions for energy consumption using energy consumption data and night-time light images, hence, net carbon emissions. The Tapio decoupling coefficient was used to analyze the decoupling between the net carbon emissions and construction land, and where the model for the decoupling effort was constructed to explore the driving factors of decoupling. The results showed that net carbon emissions in Shandong Province continued to increase, and the areas with high carbon emissions were concentrated primarily in specific districts of the province. The relationship between net carbon emissions and construction land evolved from an expansive negative decoupling type to a strong negative decoupling type. Spatially, most areas in the province featured an expansive negative decoupling, but the areas with a strong negative decoupling have gradually increased. The intensive rate of land use and efficiencies in technological innovation have restrained carbon emissions, and they have contributed to an ideal decoupling situation. Although the intensity of carbon emission and the size of the population have restrained carbon emissions, efforts towards decoupling have faded. The degree of land use has facilitated carbon emissions, and in recent years, efforts have been made to achieve an ideal decoupling. The method of estimation of net carbon emissions devised in this research can lend itself to studies on other regions, and the conclusions provide a reference for China, going forward, to balance urbanization and carbon emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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19 pages, 1416 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Livelihood Capital Effects on Famers’ Strategy Choices in Flood-Prone Areas—A Study in Rural China

by Yibin Ao, Ling Tan, Qiqi Feng, Liyao Tan, Hongfu Li, Yan Wang, Tong Wang and Yunfeng Chen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127535 - 20 Jun 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2782

Abstract

The global climate change has resulted in huge flood damages, which seriously hinders the sustainable development of rural economy and society and causes famers’ livelihood problems. In flood-prone areas, it is imperative to actively study short and long-term strategies and solve farmers’ livelihood problems accordingly. Following the sustainable development analysis framework proposed by the Department for International Development (DFID), this study collects empirical data of 360 rural households in six sample villages in the Jialing River Basin of Sichuan Province, China through a village-to-household field questionnaire and applies the Multinominal Logit Model (MNL) to explore the influence of farmer households’ capital on livelihood strategy choice. Research results show that: (1) In human capital category, the education level of the household head has a significant positive impact on the livelihood strategies of farmers’ families; (2) In physical capital category, farmer households with larger space have more funds to choose among flood adaptation strategies; (3) In natural capital category, house location and the sale of family property for cash have the greatest negative impact on farmers’ livelihood strategies; (4) Rural households with more credit opportunities in financial capital are more willing to obtain emergency relief funds; (5) Farmers’ families helped by the village for a long time will probably not choose to move to avoid floods, but are more likely to choose buying flood insurance. This study provides an empirical reference for effective short and long term prevention and mitigation strategies design and application in rural in flood-prone areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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22 pages, 796 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Government Size Expansion Can Affect Green Innovation—An Empirical Analysis of Data on Cross-Country Green Patent Filings

by Jun Wen, Lingxiao Li, Xinxin Zhao, Chenyang Jiao and Wenjie Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(12), 7328; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19127328 - 15 Jun 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2424

Abstract

The expansion of government size will have dual effects on a country’s green innovation. An appropriately sized government size increases marginal productivity and stimulates the development of green innovation by increasing government expenditure. On the contrary, an excessively sized government creates a huge administrative agency, which not only increases the tax burden but also damages social welfare by excessive intervention. Therefore, the effect of government size on green innovation is not linear. In order to prove this proposition, this study examines the impact of government size on green innovation in 166 countries between 1995 and 2018, using a two-way fixed effects model. The results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between government size and the level of green innovation, indicating that optimal government size may maximize a country’s green innovation output. The results further suggest that this inverted U-shaped relationship is mainly influenced by environmental regulations and financial support. Finally, our heterogeneity analysis demonstrates that the inverted U-shaped relationship is more pronounced for countries with high organizational inertia and more R&D expenditure than for those with low organizational inertia and less R&D expenditure. This finding makes up for the research gap between government size and green innovation and provides a reference for countries to formulate the optimal government size to improve the level of green innovation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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18 pages, 6594 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Climate Change on CO₂ Flux in Temperate Grassland, Subtropical Artificial Coniferous Forest and Tropical Rain Forest Ecosystems

by Zihao Man, Shengquan Che, Changkun Xie, Ruiyuan Jiang, Anze Liang and Hao Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13056; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413056 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2502

Abstract

The interactions between CO₂ flux, an important component of ecosystem carbon flux, and climate change vary significantly among different ecosystems. In this research, the inter-annual variation characteristics of ecosystem respiration (RE), gross ecosystem exchange (GEE), and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) were explored in the temperate grassland (TG) of Xilinhot (2004–2010), the subtropical artificial coniferous forest (SACF) of Qianyanzhou (2003–2010), and the tropical rain forest (TRF) of Xishuangbanna (2003–2010). The main factors of climate change affecting ecosystem CO₂ flux were identified by redundancy analysis, and exponential models and temperature indicators were constructed to consider the relationship between climate change and CO₂ flux. Every year from 2003 to 2010, RE and GEE first increased and then decreased, and NEE showed no significant change pattern. TG was a carbon source, whereas SACF and TRF were carbon sinks. The influence of air temperature on RE and GEE was greater than that of soil temperature, but the influence of soil moisture on RE and GEE was greater than that of air moisture. Compared with moisture and photosynthetically active radiation, temperature had the greatest impact on CO₂ flux and the exponential model had the best fitting effect. In TG and SACF, the average temperature was the most influential factor, and in TRF, the accumulated temperature was the most influential factor. These results provide theoretical support for mitigating and managing climate change and provide references for achieving carbon neutrality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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21 pages, 954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Low-Carbon City Construction Improve Total Factor Productivity? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China

by Hongfeng Zhang, Lu Huang, Yan Zhu, Hongyun Si and Xu He

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182211974 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3157

Abstract

Low-carbon city construction (LCC) is an important strategy for countries desiring to improve environmental quality, realize cleaner production, and achieve sustainable development. Low-carbon cities have attracted widespread attention for their attempts to coordinate the relationship between environmental protection and economic development. Using the panel data from 2006 to 2017 of prefecture-level cities in China, this study applied the difference-in-differences (DID) method to analyze the effects of LCC on the total factor productivity (TFP) of the cities and its possible transmission mechanism. The results show significantly positive effects on TFP, but the effects on each component of TFP are different. Although the LCC has promoted technical progress and scale efficiency, it has inhibited technical efficiency. The accuracy of the results has been confirmed by several robustness tests. Mechanism analysis showed that the pilot policy of low-carbon cities has promoted technical progress and scale efficiency by technological innovation and the upgrading of industrial structure, but resource mismatches among enterprises have been the main reason for reduced technical efficiency. Regional heterogeneity analysis showed that the effects on TFP in the eastern region have been more significant than in the central and western regions. In the eastern region, they have promoted technical progress, while in the central and western regions, they have promoted technical progress and scale efficiency but hindered technical efficiency. This paper presents our findings for the effects of LCC on economic development and provides insightful policy implications for the improvement of technical efficiency in low-carbon cities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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17 pages, 2092 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Farmers’ Intention of Straw Recycling: A Comparison Analysis Based on Different Pro-Environmental Publicity Modes

by Hao Zhu, Yibin Ao, Hong Xu, Zhongli Zhou, Yan Wang and Linchuan Yang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11304; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111304 - 28 Oct 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2740

Abstract

Promoting the intention of farmers to participate in straw recycling is an effective way to alleviate the contradiction between environmental pollution, scarcity of environmental resources, and sustainable development. In this study, social trust and value perception were integrated into the theory of planned behavior to build a theoretical framework of farmers’ intention to participate in straw recycling, considering the influences of three different pro-environmental publicity modes. A field investigation was used to collect research data in six sample villages. Finally, 761 valid questionnaires were collected, and partial least squares structural equation modeling was applied to test the research hypotheses. The results showed that the influence of attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavior control, value perception, and social trust on farmers’ straw recycling intentions was different among different pro-environmental publicity modes. Among the three pro-environmental publicity modes, the concentrated pro-environmental publicity mode has the best effect of promoting straw recycling intentions among farmers. This study introduces some targeted suggestions on the aspects of pro-environmental publicity theory and management practice based on the above research results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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14 pages, 769 KiB

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Evaluating the Public Climate School—A School-Based Programme to Promote Climate Awareness and Action in Students: Protocol of a Cluster-Controlled Pilot Study

by Michael Eichinger, Myriam Bechtoldt, Inga Thao My Bui, Julius Grund, Jan Keller, Ashley G. Lau, Shuyan Liu, Michael Neuber, Felix Peter, Carina Pohle, Gerhard Reese, Fabian Schäfer and Stephan Heinzel

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 8039; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138039 - 30 Jun 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3932

Abstract

Introduction: School-based programmes may promote knowledge and skills required to address climate change and better health and well-being in adolescents, yet evidence of their effectiveness is limited. In preparation for evaluating the Public Climate School, a school-based intervention to promote climate awareness and action in adolescents, we conduct a pilot study intended to assess procedures for participant recruitment, retention, and data collection, data quality issues and to provide preliminary parameter estimates to guide sample size calculations. Methods and analysis: This unblinded, cluster-controlled pilot study targets students in twelve classes from grades seven to thirteen in German public schools. Seven and five classes were allocated to the intervention and waitlist control arms, respectively. The intervention consisted of (1) live lessons on YouTube, (2) climate-related challenges of the day, (3) workshops and (4) peer exchange sessions. Waitlist control classes participated three weeks later. Measures included the proportion of students completing baseline and follow-up surveys, a comparison of baseline characteristics between students in the retained subsample and those lost to follow-up, proportions of students completing online and paper–pencil-based surveys and problems during data collection based on information reported by teachers. Data quality was assessed as proportions of missing data, associations between missingness and sociodemographic measures using logistic regression models and basic psychometric properties of scales including ceiling effects and internal consistency. Intentions to reduce one’s ecological footprint, the primary outcome, and all secondary outcomes for effect estimation were assessed one week pre- and post-intervention from November to December 2021 using items adapted from internationally used instruments and will be investigated using generalised linear mixed models and intention-to-treat analyses. Conclusions: The pilot study will lay the methodological groundwork for a large-scale cluster-randomised effectiveness and process evaluation of the Public Climate School. If proven effective and rolled out more broadly, the Public Climate School has the potential to contribute meaningfully to national climate mitigation and adaptation efforts by reaching a substantial share of adolescents in public schools, including those traditionally less involved in climate action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Behavioral Change towards Carbon Neutrality: Challenges and Opportunities)

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