Places and eco-anxiety in pro environmental behaviors: Renewable energy communities as possible way to foster sustainability

The climate crisis poses a profound challenge, affecting individuals, communities, and ecosystems at every level. One of its psychological consequences, eco-anxiety, is becoming an increasingly significant concern. Pro-environmental behaviors (PEB) are framed as both personal and collective strategies to cope with this crisis. This study explores how emotional and cognitive bonds with significant life places and eco-anxiety contribute to the promotion of individual and collective PEB. A total of 431 Italian participants completed an online survey measuring individual PEB, willingness to engage in initiatives related to renewable energy, civic pro-environmental engagement, eco-anxiety, place identity and attachment. Using Structural Equation Modeling, a multiple sequential mediation analysis was run. Findings indicate that eco-anxiety may function as a catalyst or as a mitigating factor for PEB, depending on the identification with and attachment to meaningful life places. Renewable energy communities (REC) are discussed as possible collective actions to foster sustainable transition.