What prevents us from taking low-carbon actions? A comprehensive review of influencing factors affecting low-carbon behaviors

Abstract

Abstract Nearly two-thirds of global greenhouse gas emissions are directly or indirectly linked to human daily activities. Change in people s behavior is key to mitigating climate change. This paper reviews the key factors that affect personal behavior in consumption of food, clothing, housing, transportation, and other various products or services in order to understand the climate change impacts of behavior change. Drawing from existing theoretical foundations, these influencing factors are reviewed through four categories, including demographic factors, internal influences, and external influences, and the mechanisms through which different factors influence personal behavior change. The paper also discusses the policy implications of the review’s results.