Factors Affecting Household–Level Climate Change Mitigation: A Study in Medan, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change mitigation in households refers to activities undertaken by households to lower greenhouse gas emissions and slow down climate change. As the fourth biggest and most densely populated city in Indonesia, Medan has the tendency to emit more greenhouse gases, which contributes to global warming and accelerates climate change. Therefore, mitigation practices are crucial, starting from the household level. The objective of this study is to identify the factors affecting household-level climate change mitigation in Medan. This cross-sectional study was conducted in seven subdistricts of Medan, involving 270 households selected through purposive sampling. Data analysis was performed using linear regression tests. Study findings indicate that the number of household members (B = 0.317 (95% CI: 0.082 to 0.552); p = 0.008), house floor area (B = –0.473 (95% CI: -0.771 to -0.552); p = 0.002), household income (B = 0.666 (95% CI: 0.450 to 0.881); p<0.001), and head of household’s education level (B = 0.642 (95% CI: 0.402 to 0.881); p<0.001) significantly affect climate change mitigation in households. Household income is the strongest predictor of household-level climate change mitigation in Medan (p<0.001). It is recommended that the Medan city government establish household-based climate change mitigation programs, particularly targeting middle-income households, focusing on providing clean energy subsidies, promoting eco-friendly behavior, and improving household energy efficiency.