Turning words into action: pro-environmental interest and personal commitment of different groups

Abstract Background Numerous models point to notable discrepancies between internal attitudes and environmental protection behaviour. Especially in regards to the high social value of climate protection, the question arises to what extent the commitment to environmental protection is not just a socially desirable “lip service”. A snap survey was conducted among participants of climate demonstrations in Vienna to find out whether they differ from other groups not only in their interest in environmental issues, but in particular in their personal commitment. Methods A total of 331 participants (below 16y) were surveyed (177 Fridays4Future participants, 41 visitors of non-climate-related mass events, 113 medical students). The survey regarding interest in climate and personal commitment to environmental protection was conducted using an 11-point Likert scale. Results Participants of the climate demonstrations described higher values regarding their interest in climate protection, their interest in environmental protection as well as their personal commitment to environmental protection. All differences between the pairwise mean-group comparisons were significant in the expected direction (lowest values: visitors of non-climate-related events; p < 0.017). Results concerning flight renunciations already made showed large differences between the groups (Pearson Chi-Square: 71.913; df = 4; p < 0.001): Around 5 times more participants of climate demonstrations than visitors to other mass events reported that they had already refrained from flying in the past year. In contrast, there were no differences with regard to the statement that they had not yet renounced flights, but intended to do so in the future. Discussions Differences with regard to renunciations already made indicate that values expressed by the groups are also mirrored in actual behaviour. Considering the magnitude of differences and control response our results are unlikely to be explained by socially desired response behaviour. Key messages • First short survey on to quantify group differences regarding refrainment of air travels. • Climate activists showed considerably higher commitment regarding personal sacrifices.