Intention to Pay Higher Taxes Dedicated to Reduction of Coal Energy – A Case of Young Central Eastern Europeans

Abstract

In an era of increasing efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, black coal creates many problems, primarily because it is a fuel used solely for burning that contaminates the environment. In countries in Central Eastern Europe, a safe and successful transition from energy produced from coal requires societal changes, as well as public and private financing. The aim of this study is to examine and better understand how different psychological factors influence young citizens' intention to engage in activities directed at coal energy reduction financially. In our pilot study, we enlisted respondents from the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia because the analysis of the main sources of energy generation in these countries provided evidence that they are behind in embracing the European Commission's strategy and meeting the renewable energy sources target. Based on a questionnaire survey, we found that Central Eastern European citizens' intention to pay higher taxes to reduce energy use from coal was moderate. Using Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, we also found that only two variables, attitude, and subjective norms, are strong determinants of environmental intentions for young Central Eastern European citizens. In addition, our study is the first to include personal responsibility as a consideration in coal energy reduction. Our extension of the theory of planned behavior with personal responsibility indicates the enormous role of the postulated environmental protection policies and media campaigns in promoting environmental awareness among young citizens.