Energy Usage, Health Issues, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour: Exploring the Link and Promoting Energy Change in Kyrgyzstan

Nicolas Hamelin () and Ishaq M. Bhatti ()
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Nicolas Hamelin: Neuroscience Lab, Sydney Campus, SPJAIN School of Global Management, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia
Ishaq M. Bhatti: La Trobe Business School, La Trobe University, Lidcombe, NSW 2141, Australia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-13

Abstract: Background: This study examines the relationship between energy usage, health issues, and pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in Kyrgyzstan amidst the country’s commitment to transition from coal-based energy to renewable sources, in line with the Paris Agreement. The purpose is to investigate citizens’ attitudes towards PEB and their intentions to engage in environmentally friendly actions, focusing on gas, electricity, and coal. Methods: Drawing upon the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) framework, a survey was conducted among 1455 respondents to explore attitudes towards PEB and energy sources’ impact on health issues. Results: Decarbonization efforts in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia are in their early stages, with coal remaining a primary energy source. The study emphasizes the importance of governmental policies and citizen action in achieving decarbonization goals. Rising electricity costs outweigh the increase in indirect energy costs for food, posing challenges for households adapting to changing energy dynamics. Conclusions: Targeted interventions and communication strategies are crucial to promote pro-environmental behaviour and facilitate the transition to sustainable energy sources. Understanding the relationships between health concerns, air pollution awareness, PEB, and energy source choices can inform policymakers and organizations to ensure a sustainable and healthy future for Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries.

Keywords: energy usage; health issues; pro-environmental behavior; TPB framework; Kyrgyzstan; coal-based energy; renewable sources; decarbonization; Paris Agreement; Central Asia; energy costs; air pollution awareness; attitudes; sustainable energy sources; communication strategies; citizen action; Theory of Planned Behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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