Mapping environmental perceptions in Romania: A mixed-methods research

Abstract

The present study investigates environmental perceptions in Romania, emphasizing their role in shaping individual and collective responses to ecological challenges. By exploring how people understand and interact with their natural environment, the research aims to explore values, needs, behaviors, and motivations that drive pro-environmental actions. We used a mixed-methodology approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to capture a comprehensive view of these perceptions. An innovative empathy map was developed through one-on-one interviews to visualize and analyze participants' perceptions of the environment. Participants were characterized by a biocentric-anthropocentric value orientation, balancing respect for nature with human needs. They considered that the top three environmental problems in Romania were: water and air pollution, deforestation, and poor waste management. Complementing this, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to examine the co-occurrence of keywords related to environmental perceptions in the academic literature, providing a quantitative perspective that aligned with the themes from the qualitative analysis. The strong presence of terms like “intention” and “energy consumption” in the analysis of keywords co-occurrence supported the idea that personal and social norms around energy use were significant themes in the environmental literature dedicated to Romania, which were also central to the participants’ perceptions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of environmental perceptions in Romania, offering useful insights for policymakers and environmental managers to promote sustainable development and pro-environmental behaviors in the region.