Perceived plasticity of climate-relevant behaviors and policy support among high- and lower-income individuals

Widespread behavior changes are essential to mitigate climate change, including adoptingimproved technologies and reducing energy-intensive activities. This study examines countryand income differences in the perceived plasticity of climate-relevant behaviors and theirconnection to climate policy support through an online survey across Denmark, India,Nigeria, and the United States (n = 4,003). In each country, 50% of participants were fromthe top 10% income group, a demographic systemically under-represented in behavioralresearch. Our findings reveal substantial heterogeneity in the perceived plasticity ofinvestment and curtailment behaviors, with higher plasticity observed in India and Nigeria.We also identify varying relationships between income and perceptions of behavioralplasticity across different behaviors and countries. Consistent with previous studies, we findpositive correlations between perceived behavioral plasticity and support for domain-matchedclimate policies. These results underscore the intricate relationships between income,perceptions of behavioral plasticity, and support for climate policies.