Examining public preferences for wood smoke mitigation policies in the sub-Arctic

Abstract

Outdoor air pollution is a significant problem worldwide. Policies developed to mitigate air pollution require support from local residents to be successful. While some research has examined various social and psychological metrics associated with support for some types of pollution mitigation, less is known about what variables are critical in resident support for different types of policies that help mitigate air pollution associated with woodsmoke. This research examined the extent that perceived health and economic risks, perceived uncertainties in measuring air quality and estimating risks, trust in government, and affect relate to support for three different types of outdoor wood smoke mitigation policies in Alaska. Using a multiple regression analysis of data obtained from a mail-based survey (n = 442), we characterized local affective associations with wood burning, economic concerns and health risks around heat options, perceived uncertainties, and levels of trust in government. The research identified several social and psychological variables that were important in understanding support for air pollution policies associated with wood smoke. Significantly, we found that perceived economic risk of not taking actions to mitigate outdoor air pollution from wood smoke was related to support for all three policy options. Trust in local government was positively correlated to support for education and regulatory policies, and perceived uncertainty was inversely related to support for regulations. The research also confirmed other known findings with respect to variables associated with support for air pollution regulation policies including perceived health risks and affect.