BARRIERS TO INDIVIDUAL ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION - THE INFLUENCE OF ATTITUDES AND SOCIAL EXPERIENCES

Using data from a 1990 random sample of Edmonton residents and applyin g LISREL techniques, selected perceptual, situational and structural i nfluences on environmental lifestyle choices are examined using struct ural equation models that feature environmental attitudes as a mediati ng variable. An exploration of the factors that influence environmenta l attitude-behaviour consistency in this case supplements the analysis . The findings suggest that levels of the individual environmental beh aviours examined here will remain low, regardless of concern, unless a n environmental issue is linked to immediate personal concerns, or soc ietal arrangements exist that help to reduce the costs of compliance a nd facilitate cooperative action.