How does one motivate climate mitigation? Examining energy conservation, climate change, and personal perceptions in Bangladesh and Pakistan

Abstract The consciousness among the policymakers and general people regarding climate change is increasing, yet, plenty of barriers to mitigate climate change are widespread in developing countries wherein the situation is not different in Bangladesh and Pakistan. This study aims to provide evidences about perception, motivation and attitude for climate change mitigation through energy conservation. The survey is conducted in Dhaka and Islamabad on deploying in-total 800 self-administered questionnaires, whereas the analysis is done through descriptive statistics and the logistic model. The study finds that perception about benefits, cue to action, self-efficacy is deficient among residents of both the countries. Further, the attitude toward reduction of the use of gasoline, energy consumption at home, recycling of waste and water conservation is also not optimistic among the majority of the residents in both the capital cities. The results of the logistic model also reveal that individuals; who believe that climate change can endanger their life, have higher income and education and they are more likely to take mitigation strategies in both Bangladesh and Pakistan. Thus, the study suggests that the governments in both the countries should take necessary measures to sensitise people about taking necessary mitigation measures also energy conservation, through awareness campaigns.