Inconsistencies Between Internet Usage and Climate Change Awareness

The association between internet use, technological advancement, and ecological/carbon footprints is evident. Energy consumption amplifies the impact of mobile and fixed telephone subscriptions on these footprints. This study aims to examine how internet usage affects awareness of climate change and explore the factors associated with this connection. To accomplish this objective, we conducted a thorough review of relevant variables concerning climate change and internet usage. Following this, we evaluated a model that illustrates this relationship and accounts for 72 percent of the variability in awareness of climate change. The direct effects analysis reveals that frequent internet use is the most influential factor in raising climate change awareness. Also, internet usage frequency, life satisfaction, and concern for others’ well-being are key factors influencing the likelihood of adopting pro-environmental behaviors. Additionally, age, internet usage frequency, life satisfaction, and concern for others’ well-being are identified as crucial factors in determining institutional trust. Results show that the likelihood of adopting pro-environmental behaviors significantly impacts climate change awareness indirectly. These results imply that actions are taken before awareness is raised, underscoring the importance of educating individuals on these behaviors to enhance their understanding and awareness of climate change. However, the most significant finding of this study is the incongruence it reveals: While internet usage serves as the primary driver for raising awareness about climate change, it also contributes significantly to a drastic increase in carbon footprint.