Qi Jingyi, Barclay Nicole
Infrastructure and Environmental Systems Program, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, United States.
Department of Engineering Technology and Construction Management, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, 28223, United States.
J Environ Manage. 2022 Jul 1;313:114987. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114987. Epub 2022 Mar 31.
Despite the well-recognized financial limitations, social aspects can also impact the adoption of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) as it is ingrained in the socio-ecological system we live in. Thus, this work focuses on gaining an understanding of the public's perceptions of GSI by considering cognitive biases that hinder its adoption. This work is composed of two forms of human-subject studies, including an online-based survey and a series of semi-structured interviews. The survey (n = 510) was conducted to gauge public opinions toward GSI, whereas the interviews with representatives of major local regulatory agencies were to learn about the logistics for GSI implementation in Mecklenburg County, NC. The results were interpreted using the theory of planned behavior of rational actors. Statistical results showed a weak interpretation through this theory to explain the survey participants' intention to adopt GSI measures. This could suggest that the incorporation of irrationality, such as cognitive biases, could further enhance the predictability of the theory. At the same time, an inconsistency between the findings from the survey and the interviews was identified: most survey participants showed an overall uniform positive attitude, intention, and behavior regarding GSI practice adoption, whereas the interviewed experts all suggested a wide diversity on such terms. Suggestions were made based on the findings for better policy-making on public engagement for local regulatory agencies. This research aims to help local stormwater management authorities explore shortcomings in current stakeholder engagement plans to gain sustainable support for GSI implementation in urbanized areas.
尽管资金限制已广为人知，但社会因素也会影响绿色雨水基础设施（GSI）的采用，因为它已深深融入我们生活的社会生态系统之中。因此，本研究旨在通过考虑阻碍其采用的认知偏差来了解公众对GSI的看法。这项研究由两种形式的人类受试者研究组成，包括一项在线调查和一系列半结构化访谈。调查（n = 510）旨在评估公众对GSI的看法，而对当地主要监管机构代表的访谈则是为了了解北卡罗来纳州梅克伦堡县实施GSI的相关事宜。研究结果运用理性行为者的计划行为理论进行解读。统计结果表明，该理论对调查参与者采用GSI措施意图的解释力较弱。这可能表明，纳入诸如认知偏差等非理性因素可以进一步提高该理论的预测能力。同时，研究发现调查结果与访谈结果之间存在不一致：大多数调查参与者对采用GSI措施总体上表现出一致的积极态度、意图和行为，而受访专家则表示在这些方面存在很大差异。基于这些发现，为地方监管机构在公众参与方面更好地制定政策提出了建议。本研究旨在帮助地方雨水管理当局探索当前利益相关者参与计划中的不足之处，以便在城市化地区为GSI的实施获得可持续的支持。
