On the Socio-Cultural Determinants of Polish Entrepreneurs’ Attitudes towards the Development of Renewable Energy: Business, Climate Skepticism Ideology and Climate Change

Abstract

This article analyses the business community in Poland and their views on climate change and the objectives of the European Green Deal (EGD). The authors focus on the analysis of the attitude of entrepreneurs towards the cultural and ideological stereotypes promoted by climate denialists. This article shows that the ideological factor may play a certain role in shaping the attitudes of entrepreneurs towards energy transition. The research was carried out on a sample of 400 entrepreneurs. The research results indicate that the ideological factor is of particular importance among entrepreneurs who are concerned about the costs of energy transition and the expenditure related to the implementation of the EGD for economic reasons. According to the authors, the stereotypes promoted by climate sceptics may find fertile ground, particularly when accompanied by fears of additional financial costs. Attitudes towards the goals of energy transition among entrepreneurs usually differ depending on the size of the company: representatives of smaller companies, who have greater concerns about their economic position, are more likely to present the views of climate sceptics. Acceptance for the theory of climate sceptics may also be influenced by the industry sector: those who may lose out on energy transition, such as representatives of the mining industry, may share the myths of climate denialists.

Exploring Precursors of Renewable Energy Portfolio Diversification Using TPB

“…However, according to the present study, the surveyed entrepreneurs did not show such a great interest in sustainability and the environment in the development of renewable energy portfolios through the processing of horse manure (RQ1). Zuk and Zuk [60] noted that one of the reasons why entrepreneurs are afraid to apply or develop their business for a sustainable purpose is related to the cost of the energy transition and the implementation of the sustainable project. Allocating funds for research and development in horse manure conversion technologies, especially to improve efficiency and reduce costs, can encourage entrepreneurs to diversify their energy portfolio.…”

The role of trust, information and legal stability in the development of renewable energy: the analysis of non-economic factors affecting entrepreneurs’ investments in green energy in Poland

“…This applies particularly to those who are afraid of the associated additional financial costs. As shown in previous analyses, the ideological factor is of particular importance among entrepreneurs who are concerned about the costs of energy transition and the expenditure related to the implementation of energy transition for economic reasons (Żuk and Żuk, 2021b ). Thus, how do economic factors influence decisions about investing in RES and which are the most important?…”

Do all forms of public attitudes matter for behavioural intentions to adopt solar energy technologies (SET) amongst households?

“…Also, climate scepticism combined with concerns and fears of financial losses accounts for much of the negative attitudes towards renewable energy usage. People choose not to adopt some energy technologies based on the stereotypes promoted by climate sceptics (Z˙uk and Z˙uk, 2021). Accordingly, Devine-Wright (2007) noted that low awareness of the relationship between energy usage and climate change yields undesirable public attitudes and behaviour that affect social acceptance and usage behaviour of energy technologies.…”