The influence of the 2021 European flooding on pro-environmental attitudes and partial behaviour transition

This study investigates the causal link between experiencing the 2021 European floods and changes in pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors among 16–29-year-olds in Luxembourg. Using a natural experiment design and national survey data, the study finds that flood exposure significantly increased pro-environmental attitudes, particularly the affective dimension. This effect was stronger in regions more severely affected. While increased attitudes partially translated into a greater willingness to act pro-environmentally, the direct effect on reported behaviors was not significant after adjusting for attitudes and covariates. However, a moderating effect of flood experience was found for specific behaviors (buying organic food and energy-saving electronics) among those living near flood areas. Instrumental variable regression revealed a causal effect of increased environmental attitudes on meat consumption and energy-saving behavior.

Hamid Bulut, Robin Samuel