TITLE:
Unveiling Citizens’ Perceptions, Attitudes, and Behaviors towards Air Quality: Insights from a Survey in the Po Basin Area
AUTHORS:
Marco Ottolenghi, Michele Bartolomei, Duccio Tosi, Niccolò Maria Todaro
KEYWORDS:
Air Quality, Air Pollution, Cluster Analysis, Sustainable Development
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Air Pollution,
Vol.12 No.4,
November
1,
2023
ABSTRACT: Air pollution has
far-reaching environmental and social consequences, requiring the active
participation of individual citizens in improving air quality by means of
emission-reducing behaviors. This research examines the relationship between
citizens’ knowledge, perceptions of air quality, attitudes towards policy
measures, and intentions to adopt environmentally-friendly behaviors to combat
air pollution. A comprehensive survey is conducted among a representative
sample from seven regions in the Po basin area: Emilia-Romagna, Friuli-Venezia
Giulia, Lombardy, Piedmont, Province of Trento, Valle d’Aosta, and Veneto. The
survey aims at profiling participants based on their level of information,
perceptions of air pollution, and attitudes towards emission-reducing
behaviors. Cluster analysis identifies meaningful differences among citizen
groups in terms of their awareness and intentions to engage in specific
behaviors. Four distinct clusters emerge, each characterized by varying levels
of willingness to embrace pro-environmental behaviors and support air quality
improvement initiatives. By examining these profiles, the study uncovers patterns
in citizens’ awareness, concerns, and acceptance of environmentally-friendly
practices. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers to develop
targeted interventions, policies, and communication strategies.