Engaging communities in energy transitions : a study on attitudes towards sustainable heating technologies and the role of peer effects in southern Chile
Álvarez, Boris (Universidad de La Frontera (Xile))
Boso i Gaspar, Àlex (Universidad de La Frontera (Xile))
Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Ignacio (Universidad de La Frontera (Xile))
Espluga, Josep 1964- (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Departament de Sociologia)

Date:	2024
Abstract:	This study investigates the role of peer effects in shaping the adoption of sustainable heating systems in two highly polluted communes in Southern Chile. Despite policies promoting cleaner alternatives, wood-burning stoves, a major source of particulate matter emissions, remain widespread. This research work addresses a critical gap in the literature by examining how peer influence-typically studied in relation to visible technologies like solar panels or electric vehicles-affects the adoption of less visible but essential sustainable heating technologies. The main objective of this study is to understand how peer networks can influence the attitudes of residents towards sustainable heating technologies in highly polluted urban environments. Employing a non-experimental, cross-sectional design with a sample of 244 participants, this study reveals that peer effects and health risk perception are significant predictors of positive attitudes towards sustainable heating systems. These findings contribute valuable insights for policymakers seeking to accelerate energy transitions in polluted regions.
Note:	Altres ajuts: Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo, Chile, grant number FONDECYT 1190412
Note:	Altres ajuts: Universidad de La Frontera, Chile, grant number DI24-0034
Rights:	Aquest document està subjecte a una llicència d'ús Creative Commons. Es permet la reproducció total o parcial, la distribució, la comunicació pública de l'obra i la creació d'obres derivades, fins i tot amb finalitats comercials, sempre i quan es reconegui l'autoria de l'obra original.
Language:	Anglès
Document:	Article ; recerca ; Versió publicada
Subject:	Air pollution ; Peer effect ; Sustainable energy ; Wood-burning stoves ; Risk perception ; Pollution perception
Published in:	Sustainability, Vol. 16 Núm. 20 (october 2024) , p. 9115, ISSN 2071-1050

DOI: 10.3390/su16209115

17 p, 1.8 MB

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