The locus of responsibility for climate action: A measurement tool for perceptions of mitigation responsibility

Despite widespread agreement that climate change is one of the most pressing problems facing society today, there remains considerable debate around who is responsible and the extent to which different actors should contribute to mitigation efforts. Given the strong link between beliefs and behaviors, if individuals believe they are personally responsible, they might be inclined to participate in behaviors that will reduce their environmental impact. Understanding how individuals assign responsibility for climate change mitigation can help direct efforts to ensure that people are engaging in solving the crisis, rather than waiting for others to act. The current research developed and assessed the psychometric properties of a survey scale that measures the locus of responsibility for climate action (LORCA) – the extent to which individuals assign responsibility for mitigating climate change to various actors. Through an exploratory study and experimental design (N = 297), the survey scale was tested and refined. A pre-registered, confirmatory study (N = 450) demonstrated further evidence of validity. Psychometric analyses revealed two factors within the scale, proximal ( = .94) and distal ( = .83). The resulting survey scale presents researchers with a way to measure individual perception of climate change responsibility.