Factors Affecting Low-Carbon Behavior of College Students Under the Background of “Double Carbon”—An Empirical Study of Chongqing City, China

Since China has introduced its “Dual carbon” goal, reducing carbon emissions to reach carbon neutrality is a current research focus. This work proposes a structural equation model based on the theory of planned behavior to more effectively direct college students to practice low-carbon behavior (LCB) and meet China’s “carbon neutrality” target. In order to gather the fundamental information for this study, a total of 377 authentic questionnaires from college students in Chongqing were obtained. The structural equation model was drawn using Amos. 26. The study’s findings demonstrated that (1) college students’ willingness to engage in low-carbon behavior and low-carbon values can have a direct impact on low-carbon behavior; (2) that subjective norms, perceptual behavioral control, and the environment all have an impact on willingness to engage in low-carbon behavior; (3) that the environment facilitates both college students’ willingness to engage in low-carbon behavior and low-carbon values. Based on the findings, this study recommends that schools strengthen practical education relating to being close to nature to improve students’ perceptions of the environment. This would indirectly encourage college students to engage in low-carbon behavior by increasing their intentions to engage in low-carbon behavior and their values.