Spatial Variations in Perceptions of Decarbonization Impacts and Public Acceptance of the Bioeconomy in Western Macedonia

Christina-Ioanna Papadopoulou (), Stavros Kalogiannidis, Dimitrios Kalfas, Efstratios Loizou and Fotios Chatzitheodoridis
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Christina-Ioanna Papadopoulou: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Stavros Kalogiannidis: Department of Business Administration, University of Western Macedonia, 51100 Grevena, Greece
Dimitrios Kalfas: Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, 53100 Florina, Greece
Efstratios Loizou: Department of Management Science and Technology, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: This study examines the regional disparities in public perceptions of decarbonization and the acceptance of the bioeconomy within Western Macedonia, a Greek region undergoing structural economic change. While the environmental benefits of decarbonization, such as reduced carbon emissions and improved air quality, are widely acknowledged, perceptions of economic and social outcomes, including investments, new business development, and policy support, vary significantly across sub-regions. To this end, a structured survey was conducted among 765 residents, utilizing Likert-scale items to assess attitudes, with demographic data providing a contextual framework. Statistical analyses, incorporating techniques such as one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Kruskal–Wallis, and multiple regression, were employed to explore spatial variations and identify the primary drivers of bioeconomy acceptance. The results indicate that perceived government action, visible investment, new enterprises, and a positive view of public sentiment are all significant predictors of acceptance, with institutional support showing the strongest influence. The findings reveal that certain areas feel less engaged in the transition, expressing skepticism about its benefits, while others report more optimism. This disparity in perception underscores the necessity for targeted policy interventions to ensure inclusive and equitable participation. The study emphasizes the necessity for regionally responsive governance, enhanced communication strategies, and tangible local development initiatives to cultivate public trust and support. The study makes a significant contribution to the broader discourse on just transitions by emphasizing the role of place-based perceptions in shaping sustainable change.

Keywords: public perception; bioeconomy; decarbonization; just transition; regional disparities; policy acceptance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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