Modelling and explaining readiness to act against climate change by integrating individual and system-related behaviours

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Until now, behavioural science in the climate change field has focused mainly on understanding and changing individual behaviours. However, in order to broaden the spectrum of behaviours to acknowledge the need for systemic change, this paper introduces a novel model showing that a trait-like ‘readiness to act against climate change’ explains variation in a broad spectrum of behaviours: past individual high-emission behaviour, acceptance of climate change mitigation policies and political participation for societal change to mitigate climate change. The model underwent rigorous validation (N = 6,041) by psychometrically evaluating measurement instruments and testing the explanatory power of a comprehensive set of predictors, including perceived health risks, trust in institutions, social norms, perceived effectiveness of political measures, self-efficacy and knowledge. This contribution offers theoretical advancement, innovative measures bridging climate and social science, and a large dataset allowing recommendations on how to advance climate action.