Climate change concern as driver of sustainable mobility and reduced car use.

• Climate change concern can contribute to reduced car use and sustainable mobility. • Those worried about climate change were more willing to live without a car. • Relationship between climate change concern and car use differs based on type of car. • Worry about climate change was strongly related to lower use of a conventional car. • Worry about climate change was unrelated to the use of an electric car. Climate change concern has been linked to climate-friendly behavior, but little is known on whether and how it may promote sustainable mobility. This paper investigates how worry about climate change relates to attitudes and intentions towards the car as well as the actual use of conventional and electric cars in Oslo and Viken in Norway. Findings indicate a relationship between worry about climate change and reduced car use, mediated by mode preferences and willingness to live car-free. Those concerned about climate change were less likely to commute by a conventional car and used conventional cars less both on weekdays and weekends. Worry about climate change was also related to living in a denser neighborhood, preference for travel modes other than the car, and willingness to live car-free. Raising greater awareness of climate change could contribute to climate change mitigation by promoting car-reduced or car-free lifestyles and sustainable mobility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]