Behaviour change programmes for prevention of urban stormwater contamination: A literature review

Abstract

Environmental quality is inextricably linked to human behaviour patterns (Steg & Vlek, 2009). The numerous problems – global warming, water and air pollution, loss of biodiversity – that pose a threat to environmental sustainability are the result of human behaviours (Vlek & Steg, 2007). It is therefore argued that these problems can be addressed by changing behaviour patterns (Steg & Vlek, 2009), though there is increasing debate about whether this is best achieved by focusing on the individual, or on the structures and systems that influence individuals to behave in certain ways (e.g. Shove 2010). Behaviour and behaviour change have emerged as key areas of interest for national and local governments (Morris, Marzano, Dandy, & O'Brien, 2012b), and Christchurch City Council has commissioned this review of the international literature to ascertain what behaviour change approaches have been applied in New Zealand and beyond in the area of stormwater, how these have been evaluated and assessed, and how effective they have been.