Climatic Hazards and the Associated Impacts on Households’ Willingness to Adopt Water-Saving Measures: Evidence from Mexico

Abstract

Numerous regions across the globe are facing water shortage challenges, and domestic water demands are predicted to grow vastly by 2050. In this regard, household water-saving measures are critical to adapt to future risks. Few studies have evaluated the association between climate change-related threats and their impacts on water-saving activities and intentions. However, a limitation in this line of research is the assumption that only the hazards that directly affect water shortages, such as drought, can influence water conservation behaviors. Our study takes a step forward to examine the possible association between other types of extreme climate events (in addition to drought) and household water-saving behavioral willingness. Mexico is used as a case study. The information from the most recent versions of two Mexican national surveys is employed. The potential roles of three demographic characteristics (age, gender, and education) are also investigated. We found that recent experience of harsh climatic events positively affects willingness to adopt water-saving measures (although this is a small effect). The results validate the significance of experiential knowledge as a driver to increase the willingness to act responsibly regarding water challenges. The lessons we derive are of significance for Mexico and other settings facing water crises and natural hazards.

Addressing Local Water Security through Green Infrastructure Implementation: A Review of Urban Plans in Monterrey, Mexico, and Brussels, Belgium

“…One of the worst catastrophes of recent years that hit the state was the drought that started in 2011 and ended with hurricane Ingrid in 2013, which was the second most severe in history, only surpassed by one in the 1950s [51]. In the summer of 2022, a one-day water supply cutoff was implemented for each MMA sector, posing a challenge for millions of people to receive water [52]. Additionally, water pressure control, which began in July 2022, was still in operation for the summer of 2023 [53].…”

“…The significance of these aspects is directly highlighted in the most well-known WS definitions, such as the one from the UN, through pointing out the "sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water" [3]. It is therefore of high importance for both cities to have adequate WS/GI management methods to address quantitative/qualitative aspects of WS, as Monterrey is facing clean water shortages [52] and Brussels needs to deal with possible drought and high water stress challenges [30,67].…”

Climate-related experiences and harms in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a survey of 152,088 Mexican youth

“…People living in rural areas who rely on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods are particularly vulnerable as they are dependent on natural resources 12 . Recent studies show that exposure to climate shocks is connected with climate change risk perception and willingness to change behaviors 13 , 14 . One study conducted in Mexico found that younger people were significantly more willing to take on adaptation measures aimed at conserving water 14 .…”

“…Recent studies show that exposure to climate shocks is connected with climate change risk perception and willingness to change behaviors 13 , 14 . One study conducted in Mexico found that younger people were significantly more willing to take on adaptation measures aimed at conserving water 14 .…”

“…Although it is clear that the climate crisis will significantly affect the lives of children and youth, there is limited data to date about how it may shape their lives, and how they will engage with climate-related challenges as societies emerge from the pandemic 2 . Studies from Mexico highlight the risks of climate change, but are not focused on young people 13 , 14 , 25 . The Violence Outcomes in COVID-19 Epoch (VoCes) Study is a longitudinal survey regarding the impacts of COVID-19 on adolescents and young adults (15–24 years) in Mexico, leveraging an innovative online platform to engage and reach youth across the country with an online survey 26 .…”