Pro-environmental behavior and motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers

Henle, Manuel

doi:10.21256/zhaw-26324

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-26324

Publication type:	Master thesis
Title:	Pro-environmental behavior and motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers
Authors:	Henle, Manuel
Advisors / Reviewers:	Bättig-Frey, Petra Berger, Verena
DOI:	10.21256/zhaw-26324
Extent:	70
Issue Date:	2022
Publisher / Ed. Institution:	ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften
Publisher / Ed. Institution:	Winterthur
Language:	English
Subjects:	Sustainability; Aviation; Pro-environmental behavior; Voluntary offsetting; Flight emissions; CO2 compensation; Climate neutral flying; Motivations for passengers to offset
Subject (DDC):	363: Environmental and security problems
Abstract:	Voluntary offsetting of aviation emissions by passengers is an important cornerstone of decarbonising the aviation industry and to individually contribute to climate change mitigation. Many studies have attempted to understand, predict, or promote pro-environmental behavior (PEB) in everyday life. Although a large part of the world's population is aware of climate change and its profound consequences, this awareness is not necessarily reflected in air travel behavior. To enhance the motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers, this study focuses on the identification of factors that have an impact on pro-environmental behavior in air travel. These factors provide the foundation to communicate convincing messages to passengers. Using a quantitative field study involving a final sample of 454 passengers, it is shown that individuals who behave sustainably in everyday life also feel obligated to do so when travelling by plane. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding compensation programs and their effectiveness in offsetting emissions. The following factors show a significance in relation to flight emission offsetting behavior: obligation to offset emissions, consciousness that air travel generates emissions, the ascription of responsibility and an ecological worldview. Younger people are more influenced by their social environment and habits. Frequent flyers feel less obliged to offset their flight for emission. All other factors influencing pro-environmental behavior in everyday life have no significant impact on passengers’ compensation behavior. The results thereby question the suitability of using pro-environmental theories as the only explanation for behavior. Practical solutions such as providing more opportunities to compensate flight emissions outweigh addressing norms and values in a dedicated communication strategy.
URI:	https://digitalcollection.zhaw.ch/handle/11475/26324
License (according to publishing contract):	CC BY 4.0: Attribution 4.0 International
Departement:	Life Sciences and Facility Management
Appears in collections:	Masterarbeiten Umwelt und Natürliche Ressourcen

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Henle, M. (2022). Pro-environmental behavior and motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers [Master’s thesis, ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften]. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-26324

Henle, M. (2022) Pro-environmental behavior and motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers. Master’s thesis. ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. Available at: https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-26324.

M. Henle, “Pro-environmental behavior and motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers,” Master’s thesis, ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, Winterthur, 2022. doi: 10.21256/zhaw-26324.

HENLE, Manuel, 2022. Pro-environmental behavior and motivation to offset flight emissions among flight passengers. Master’s thesis. Winterthur: ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften

Henle, Manuel. 2022. “Pro-Environmental Behavior and Motivation to Offset Flight Emissions among Flight Passengers.” Master’s thesis, Winterthur: ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften. https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-26324.

Henle, Manuel. Pro-Environmental Behavior and Motivation to Offset Flight Emissions among Flight Passengers. ZHAW Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften, 2022, https://doi.org/10.21256/zhaw-26324.