# Measuring carbon capability beyond the carbon footprint

## TL;DR

This study introduces a new method to measure people's ability to act on climate change, including public efforts, finding limited capability in the UK, especially in transport, food, and civic areas.

## Contribution

A novel methodology to quantify both private consumption and public-sphere actions for assessing climate action capability.

## Key findings

- UK residents show moderate-to-low climate action capability, with the lowest scores in transport, food, and civic domains.
- Gender, education, and climate knowledge are significant predictors of higher climate action capability.
- The methodology provides a comprehensive tool to assess both private and public climate actions for policy and engagement strategies.

## Abstract

Meeting climate action targets requires both individual and systemic change. Behaviour change can contribute to system change through actions in the public sphere, including influence and citizenship. However, current measurement approaches, such as personal carbon footprints, emphasise individual consumption and underrepresent public-sphere contributions. This study operationalises a framework which integrates individuals’ motivation and capacity to reduce emissions within broader systems of provision. We present a methodology to quantify public-sphere actions and capabilities alongside consumption behaviours, generating a comprehensive capability score. Applying this approach to a representative survey UK residents (N = 2001), we find moderate-to-low climate action capability, with the lowest scores in transport, food, and civic domains. Regression analyses indicate gender, education, and climate knowledge predict higher capability. This methodology offers an integrated tool to assess both private and public climate actions, informing strategies for more effective engagement and policy interventions.

Most United Kingdom residents show limited ability to act on climate change, especially in transport, food, and civic life. A new method measures both personal habits and public efforts to reveal who feels able and motivated to push for change.