Abstract
The purpose of the presented research is to assess pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) in European Union countries in 2009 and 2019. The study used a synthetic measure developed using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution) benchmark method. This method enables distinguishing classes and ranks of countries depending on the adopted characteristics. Basic measures of descriptive statistics, i.e., average, standard deviation and the coefficient of variation, were used in the analysis of the data set. The main research question addressed in this study concerns the relationship between the level of PEB and economic, demographic, and educational factors—not only on a micro scale but also from the macroeconomic perspective. The research has revealed a wide variety throughout the European Union (EU-27) countries in terms of pro-environmental behaviour. Sweden, Finland, and Denmark top the ranking, while Malta, Greece, Spain, and Romania are at the bottom of it. Northern European countries can therefore be identified as a group that represents a positive benchmark in terms of PEB across the European Union (EU-27). The correlation between PEB and selected economic, demographic, and education-related variables was also investigated. Country-level PEB is correlated with demographic and economic variables, but it is not correlated with education-related variables.
Highlights
Some environmental problems are, at least to some extent, direct or indirect consequences of much of people’s everyday behaviour
Six indicators from the Eurostat database were initially selected for the analysis of pro-environmental behaviour (PEB)-level variation with the TOPSIS method (Table 1)
The analysis presents three macroeconomic indicators used to build a ranking of EU countries by level of PEB in 2009 and 2019
Summary
At least to some extent, direct or indirect consequences of much of people’s everyday behaviour. Consumption of energy from various sources, travel by particular means of transport, or the production and treatment of waste (both municipal and organic) are behaviours that are not indifferent to the environment [1,2]. People in their everyday lives are repeatedly confronted with a variety of choices and their decisions may have a positive impact on themselves but a negative impact on the environment—or, they may bring negative consequences for themselves but positive ones for the environment [1]. Excessive consumption of nonrenewable energy reveals the need to reduce the amount of energy used by households [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
