Income, Climate Attitudes and Drivers of Sustainable Behavior: Survey Data from the Netherlands (n = 1,124)

This dataset is part of a research project examining the motivations and barriers for climate-related behavior among individuals with a high socio-economic position (SEP) in the Netherlands, with a particular focus on income. The top 10% income group plays a crucial role in the climate transition. Their consumption patterns are associated with disproportionately large environmental impacts, particularly in domains such as housing, energy use, and transport. At the same time, they hold significant potential to influence others through their social networks, professional roles, and financial resources. Despite this, the role of high-SEP groups in driving reductions in consumption and shaping social norms around sustainable behavior remains underexplored in research and policy.To address this gap, the research combines a literature review with a nationally representative survey conducted in the Netherlands (n = 1,124). The central research question is: <i>what are motivations and barriers of individuals with a high socio-economic position to engage in climate-relevant behavior?</i>The dataset includes responses to 55 survey questions across five thematic areas:<b>Concerns about climate change</b> – levels of concern and differences across income groups.<b>Perceptions of roles and influence</b> – how individuals perceive their ability to contribute to climate mitigation across roles such as consumer, investor, organizational actor, citizen, and role model, and how they assess the influence of government, business, and citizens.<b>Current behavior and social norms</b> – self-reported high-impact consumption behaviors (e.g. flying, meat consumption, car ownership), and perceptions of norms within one’s social environment and society at large.<b>Willingness to change</b> – readiness to reduce consumption voluntarily and support for policy measures that regulate behavior, including perceptions of entitlement.<b>Knowledge of climate impact</b> – understanding of the environmental impact of individual behaviors.The dataset enables analysis of how income relates to environmental impact, attitudes, perceived responsibility, and behavioral intentions. It can be used to inform research, policy, and interventions aimed at achieving a more effective and equitable climate transition, particularly by engaging high-income groups.For questions about the dataset or opportunities for collaboration, please contact Danique Bredenoort ([e-mail]).

本数据集隶属于一项研究项目，旨在探究荷兰高社会经济地位（socio-economic position, SEP）群体参与气候相关行为的动机与阻碍，研究尤其聚焦于收入维度。荷兰国内收入排名前10%的群体在气候转型中扮演关键角色，其消费模式与不成比例的高额环境影响紧密相关，尤其体现在住房、能源使用及交通等领域。同时，他们可通过社会网络、职业身份与财务资源对他人施加显著影响。尽管如此，现有研究与政策仍未充分探讨高社会经济地位群体在推动消费削减及塑造可持续行为社会规范方面的作用。

为填补这一研究空白，本研究结合文献综述与荷兰国内具有全国代表性的抽样调查（样本量n=1124）。核心研究问题为：**高社会经济地位个体参与气候相关行为的动机与阻碍为何？**

本数据集包含覆盖五大主题领域的55道调查问题的回复：
**气候变化担忧**：不同收入群体的担忧程度及群体间差异。
**角色与影响力认知**：个体如何认知自身在消费者、投资者、组织参与者、公民及榜样等不同身份下对气候减缓的贡献能力，以及他们如何评估政府、企业与公民的影响力。
**当前行为与社会规范**：自我报告的高影响消费行为（例如航空出行、肉类消费、汽车保有量），以及对自身社交环境乃至全社会规范的认知。
**改变意愿**：自愿削减消费的意愿，以及对规范行为的政策措施的支持态度，其中包含对自身应得权益的认知。
**气候影响认知**：个体对自身行为所带来的环境影响的理解。

本数据集可用于分析收入与环境影响、态度、感知责任及行为意向之间的关联。其可用于为旨在实现更高效且公平的气候转型的研究、政策制定与干预措施提供参考，尤其聚焦于动员高收入群体参与。

若您对本数据集有疑问或希望寻求合作机会，请联系达尼克·布雷登诺特（Danique Bredenoort），邮箱：[e-mail]。