Intention to Pay Higher Taxes Dedicated to Reduction of Coal Energy – A Case of Young Central Eastern Europeans

emissions, black coal creates many problems, primarily because it is
a fuel used solely for burning that contaminates the environment. In
countries in Central Eastern Europe, a safe and successful transition
from energy produced from coal requires societal changes, as well as
public and private financing. The aim of this study is to examine and
better understand how different psychological factors influence
young citizens' intention to engage in activities directed at coal
energy reduction financially. In our pilot study, we enlisted
respondents from the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, and
Slovakia because the analysis of the main sources of energy
generation in these countries provided evidence that they are behind
in embracing the European Commission's strategy and meeting the
renewable energy sources target. Based on a questionnaire survey,
we found that Central Eastern European citizens' intention to pay
higher taxes to reduce energy use from coal was moderate. Using
Ajzen's theory of planned behavior, we also found that only two
variables, attitude, and subjective norms, are strong determinants of
environmental intentions for young Central Eastern European
citizens. In addition, our study is the first to include personal
responsibility as a consideration in coal energy reduction. Our
extension of the theory of planned behavior with personal
responsibility indicates the enormous role of the postulated
environmental protection policies and media campaigns in promoting
environmental awareness among young citizens.