Public environmental concern and corporate ESG performance

Abstract

Through empirical analysis, this paper examines the impact of public environmental concern on corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) performance. The findings indicate that heightened public awareness of environmental issues significantly improves the level of corporate ESG performance. Further analysis of heterogeneity suggests that the positive effect of public environmental concern on corporate ESG performance is more pronounced in large-scale enterprises and those located in regions with higher degrees of marketization. This provides insights into the collaborative interactions between businesses, the public, and other diverse agents in environmental governance, and expands research on the situational effects of public concern.