New Publication in Journal of Environmental Psychology Explores Risk Perception Related to Microplastics in Food

14.04.2025

As the world faces the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, understanding human behavior is key to finding effective solutions. This new study sheds light on how people perceive the risks of microplastics in food and drink—and what drives their support for related policies.

In collaboration with Thilo Hofmann from EDGE, the authors adapted a climate change risk perception (CCRP) model to explore attitudes toward plastic pollution, using survey data from over 700 Austrians. The study found that people felt relatively high concern about microplastics, influenced by personal values and conversations with others. Participants showed stronger support for incentive-based ("pull") policies over punitive ("push") ones, with trust in science playing a key role in shaping these preferences. The findings offer insights into how to craft more effective public messages and policy strategies to address plastic pollution.

 

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