The Conditional Effect of Trust on Generation Z’s Environmental Behaviour: A Path Analysis Perspective

This study examines the conditional effects of trust on Generation Z’s environmental behaviour using a climate change risk perception framework within an input–output model. Climate change awareness initiates the process, while generalised trust (GT), institutional trust (IT), and community engagement mediate the relationship with environmental behaviour. Results show that individual trust plays a more significant role than institutional trust; however, their synergistic interaction is essential for developing climate change risk perceptions and community engagement. In low-trust contexts, community engagement emerges as a critical driver of positive environmental behaviour, underscoring the importance of trust alignment across individual and institutional levels. The findings underscore the need for strategies that address trust deficits and emphasise community-based engagement. Future research should explore the impact of cognitive biases, such as temporal discounting and status quo bias, to bridge the gap between awareness and action among Generation Z.