Higher Levels Of Environmental Concern Research Articles

When do Women Take the Lead? Exploring the Intersection Between Gender Equality and Women’s Environmental Political Participation from a Comparative Perspective

Research has long claimed that women engage less than men in environmental political participation (EPP) (protests, petitions), despite having higher levels of environmental concern and vulnerability. Using the ISSP’s 2020 Environment Module including 28 countries, we argue that higher gender equality and socio-economic development can allow women to voice environmental grievances. Using multi-level models, we examine the effects of gender equality on gender differences in protests, petitions, and boycotts. Offering a more encompassing approach, we distinguish individual from collective, and non-confrontational from confrontational engagement forms. We find that women actually participate more than men, but mainly in individual and non-confrontational EPP forms (petitions, boycotts), and with substantial cross-country variation. Moreover, considering women’s historical barriers from participating in politics, we argue that structural gender inequality remains an important limitation to women’s engagement. Cross-level interactions indicate that especially when in more egalitarian countries, women take the lead in several types of EPP.

Animistic Customs and Practices, Attribution of Animistic Essence to Objects, and Environmentalism in an Upland Rural Community in Labo, Camarines Norte, Philippines

This study investigated the relationship between animism and environmentalism in an upland rural community in Labo, Camarines Norte, Philippines. A survey of 136 adults identified prevalent animistic customs and practices, moderate attribution of animistic essence to various objects, and high levels of environmental concern and action. Significant positive correlations emerged between some customs and practices and environmentalism, suggesting that certain practices may promote concern and action for ecology. However, the strength of these correlations was generally weak. This could be due to external factors like commercialization, dominant religion, and secularization, which weaken the connection between customs and practices and environmentalism. The attribution of animistic essence to animals and plants displayed a positive relationship with environmentalism, suggesting a link between valuing living things and pro-environmental behavior. Conversely, attributing essence to most of the object categories did not yield significant relationships. These findings highlight the complex relationship between animism and environmentalism. While some animistic beliefs cultivate ecological responsibility, others have a more nuanced influence. Strengthening specific customs and practices and fostering the attribution of animistic essence to living things could be avenues for promoting environmental stewardship within animistic communities. Further research is needed to explore the factors that influence the animism-environmentalism relationship. Understanding these complexities can help develop strategies for nurturing animistic values and empowering environmental movements.

Exploring Sustainability Concerns and Ecosystem Services: The Role of the New Ecological Paradigm Scale in Understanding Public Opinion

This study mainly explores people’s environmental attitudes and perceptions and their motivations for protecting and improving ecosystem services in Italy. The environmental perceptions of people were explored through the New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale, a tool for gauging environmental consciousness and perceptions, especially in the context of ecological sustainability. Data were collected from a sample of more than 1500 respondents residing in Italy using computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI). The results showed that respondents have a high level of environmental concern for most scale issues. The application of principal component analysis (PCA) to the respondents’ responses revealed the multidimensionality of the NEP scale: anti-anthropocentrism (pro-NEP items), human domination (pro-dominant social paradigm (DSP) items), and limits of nature. The results also showed that socio-demographic characteristics and people’s knowledge and beliefs are associated with a strong concern for nature, which can support ecosystem service conservation. Different cultural backgrounds may place varying emphasis on sustainability, conservation, or economic development.

The moderating effect of gender equality consciousness on environmental concern among males and females.

In the discourse on the heterogeneity of gender and environmental concern, gender equality awareness can further illuminate the complexity of gender and environmental concern across different cultural backgrounds. Differing from prior research, our study focuses on exploring the relationship between different genders, gender equality awareness, and environmental concern, as well as investigating whether gender equality awareness has distinct effects on environmental concern among different genders. Utilizing data from the 2021 China General Social Survey (CGSS), we conducted a theoretical investigation into gender differences in environmental concern. First, we used descriptive statistics to observe the differences between the samples. Secondly, in order to compare the influence of gender equality awareness on different genders, we conducted t-tests on gender subgroups. Subsequently, an Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model was employed to examine the effects of gender and gender equality awareness on environmental issues. Finally, gender equality awareness was introduced as a moderating variable to explore its potential interaction with gender and investigate whether a moderation mechanism exists between gender and environmental concern. Findings indicate that 1) male respondents in China exhibit greater concern for the environment compared to female respondents; 2) higher levels of gender equality awareness are positively correlated with higher levels of environmental concern; 3) the influence of gender on environmental concern is moderated by the degree of gender equality awareness. Specifically, when gender equality awareness is strengthened, female respondents exhibit a higher degree of environmental concern. Enhancing gender equality awareness contributes to improving both social gender equality and equitable concern for the environment. The findings could provide insights for similar developing countries like China.

Factors That Determine Youth's Consumption Behaviour In A Sustainable Way

Sustainable consumption behavior among youth is a critical aspect of addressing contemporary environmental challenges. This study employs Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate the determinants that influence sustainable consumption behavior among young individuals, with a focus on factors supportive of environmental organizations, subjective norms, attitude toward sustainable purchasing, perceived marketplace influence, environmental concern, and sustainable purchase behavior. Firstly, the study explores the role of factors supportive of environmental organizations. Findings reveal that youth who actively support and engage with environmental organizations are more likely to adopt sustainable consumption behaviors. These organizations serve as valuable platforms for educating and mobilizing the youth towards eco-conscious choices. Subjective norms are examined as an important determinant. The study suggests that when young individuals perceive that their peers and social circles endorse sustainable consumption practices, they are more inclined to follow suit. Peer influence plays a pivotal role in shaping their attitudes and behaviors in favor of sustainability Thirdly, attitude toward sustainable purchasing is investigated as a key factor. Results indicate that a positive attitude towards environmentally. The study delves into the influence of perceived marketplace factors. Young consumers who believe that businesses play an active role in promoting sustainability are more likely to engage in eco-friendly purchasing behaviors. This underscores the importance of corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives. Fifthly, environmental concern is examined as a driving force for sustainable consumption behavior. The findings highlight that higher levels of environmental concern are positively associated with sustainable purchase behaviors. Young individuals who express genuine concern for the environment are more motivated to make eco-conscious choices.

Aiming Higher? Implications for Higher Education of Students’ Views on Education for Climate Justice

In 2023, a high number of climate disasters were recorded globally, highlighting the urgent dangers inherent in climate change and the inequities that result from its uneven impacts. Higher education institutions (HEIs) potentially play a crucial role in furthering climate justice through their research, teaching, community engagement and public awareness. Many students enter HEIs with high expectations concerning their education regarding climate change and more broadly of their institution’s contribution to climate action. In this article, we explore these expectations alongside the perceptions of students regarding how HEIs are delivering on them, i.e., the extent to which students are satisfied with their HEIs’ policies and practice on climate change. We employ data from a large-scale survey of more than 4000 students conducted by the Transforming Universities for a Changing Climate (Climate-U) project collected in nine HEIs in three countries (Brazil, Fiji and Kenya) during 2021–22. Results indicate that satisfaction among students in the sampled HEIs is often low, while expectations are typically high. There is some evidence that students in contexts already more directly exposed to the impacts of climate change were somewhat more active and more satisfied. Overall, students frequently expected to learn more about climate change than they were in fact learning and expressed high levels of environmental concern as well as some dissatisfaction with HEIs’ wider activities to limit the impact of climate change and to promote understanding of the issues. We discuss the findings in relation to the gaps between what students expect from their HEIs and what HEIs are currently doing in the three countries. Furthermore, we consider how HEIs in Brazil, Fiji and Kenya may improve their engagement with issues of climate change and respond to students’ views and expectations, including the promotion of preparedness for and resilience to the climate crisis and its effects.

For the love of money and the planet: Experimental evidence on co-benefits framing and food waste reduction intentions

This randomized control trial examines the effect of informational nudges highlighting the monetary or environmental benefits, or co-benefits, of food-saving behaviors on intentions to reduce food waste within the framework of the Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (ETPB). A representative sample of Spanish participants (N = 1008) were exposed to control, monetary, environmental, or co-benefits conditions and asked to indicate their intentions to reduce household fruit and vegetable waste. Psychological, behavioral, and situational ETPB factors affecting food waste behavior were also measured. Only co-benefits framing was found to have a significant effect. Participants who were highly concerned about the environmental impact of wasting food were more strongly influenced by the co-benefits and monetary framings. Further, perceived behavioral control and food waste habits were positively associated with food-saving intentions. Thus, co-benefits framing in informational nudges can strengthen consumer intention to reduce fruit and vegetable waste, especially among consumers with higher levels of environmental concern.

Context matters: The drivers of environmental concern in European regions

Environmental concern is crucial as bottom-up support for policies that aim to tackle the multiple ecological crises. This paper investigates which characteristics of 206 European regions are robust drivers of generalized environmental concern. To this end, 25 Eurobarometer survey waves between 2009 and 2019 were combined with measures of the regional economy, population, geography, environmental quality, and meteorological events. Bayesian model averaging is used to systematically account for model uncertainty in the estimation of partial correlations. The results indicate that environmental concern increases with income level, a more equal distribution of income and wealth, and a less greenhouse gas-intensive industrial sector. Furthermore, regions with younger and better educated populations exhibit higher levels of environmental concern. In terms of environmental characteristics, both geographical vulnerability to natural hazards and meteorological events affect environmental concern. The results highlight the importance of the socio-economic and environmental context of opinion formation and have implications for designing and communicating environmental policies.

Christianity, Personality and Environmental Concern among 13- to 15-year-old Students in England and Wales

Abstract This study explores the connection between Christianity and environmental concern among a sample of 23,714 13- to 15-year-old students (who self-identify as Christian or self-identify as no religion) employing three scales of Attitude toward Christianity, Conservative Christian Belief, and Environmental Concern and Behaviour, together with measures of personality, church attendance, and personal prayer. The key findings are that: religious behaviours, church attendance and personal prayer, are significant predictors, with churchgoing and praying students holding higher levels of environmental concern and behaviour; religious affect is more significant than religious behaviours, with a positive attitude toward Christianity accounting for greater variance than churchgoing and prayer in predicting higher levels of environmental concern and behaviour; conservative Christian belief is associated with lower levels of environmental concern and behaviour (after taking into account religious practice and religious affect); and nominal Christian affiliation is associated with lower levels of environmental concern and behaviour.

When threat is imminent, does character matter for climate action? Exploring environmental concerns, well-being, and character strengths in the Pacific Island Countries

Pacific Island Countries are particularly vulnerable to the environmental and economic consequences of climate change including both direct and indirect impacts on individuals’ mental health. There is a need to better understand the links between environmental attitudes, pro-environmental behaviours, and well-being in this region and to develop cost-effective, culturally informed interventions. The present study explored the level of environmental concerns and attitudes among Pacific Island university students and how this relates to their overall well-being, the nature of their current pro-environmental actions, and the potential for individuals’ character strengths to predict pro-environmental attitudes. College students ( n = 269) from six Pacific Island Countries completed a survey measuring their character strengths, well-being, and environmental support. As expected, the young adults had very high levels of concern about environmental threats, and this was related to their overall well-being. The young adults felt a personal responsibility to protect the environments around their local communities, which suggests national climate change strategies should be embedded within this localised context. Character strengths were highly valued among the Pacific Island sample and showed some association with (specifically) support for environmental actions and policies. Given the high levels of environmental concern in the sample, the character strengths approach likely provides a bridge between emotional engagement and active allyship in some individuals. Therefore, further research should investigate the role of character strengths in empowering pacific students to play a more leading role in policy change.

Reducing consumption of electricity: A field experiment in Monaco with boosts and goal setting

We investigate the complementarity among different treatments which involved “boosts” (provision of information) and “goals” (ambitious or modest goals) by means of a field experiment conducted in the Principality of Monaco between December 2018 and May 2019. We collected data from 77 households in four groups: ambitious electricity reduction goal combined with information (Treatment 1), modest electricity reduction goal combined with information (Treatment 2), only information (Treatment 3), and a control group (CG). Treatments 1 and 2 increased the chances of reduced electricity consumption. We show that a modest, more realistic electricity saving goal when combined with a “boost” generates better electricity conservation performance (T2). We explore the link between behavioral strategies and the household's concern for the environment in the context of the new ecological paradigm (NEP). Our results show that treatments T1 and T2 are efficient for reducing electricity consumption only in households with high levels of environmental concern; those whose level of concern about the environment is low will not respond to any of the behavioral interventions. We provide some recommendations for the implementation of behavioral tools and “boosts”.

Multivariate Analysis of the Impact of Gender and College Major on Student levels of Environmental Concern and Knowledge

Knowledge and stewardship are essential factors in developing perceptions of the environment. This research determines if gaps in environmental knowledge and concern exist between genders as well as students majoring in science and those seeking non-science degrees. Approximately 1,229 first-year university students participated in this study. Environmental concern is measured with the New Ecological Paradigm and the Environmental Concern Scale. Total Environmental Knowledge is measured by a scale of 24 academic questions based on environmental sciences and behaviors. Outcomes of the study determined the strength of interactions between multiple factors such as gender, race, residential status and college major that potentially impact environmental knowledge, actions and behaviors. Findings suggest that females and science majors express higher levels of environmental concern. A framework for investigating interactions among multiple personal variables that influence environmental behaviors is proposed.

The Influence of Eco-Brand, Eco-Labelling and Environmental Advertisement on Consumer Purchasing Behavior through Brand Image

The high level of environmental concern will encourage individual to consume environmentally friendly products and encourage company to implement the green marketing strategy. This study aims to examine the direct and indirect effect of green marketing tools namely eco-label, eco-brand and environmental advertisement on consumer purchase behavior with brand image as an intervening variable. The sampling method used is purposive sampling technique through questionnaire with 115 respondents who are consumers of Ades in Semarang. The data analysis method used is path analysis. The results of this study show that eco-brand and eco-labelling have positive and significant effect on consumer purchase behavior while environmental advertisement has negative and significant effect on consumer purchase behavior. Eco-brand, eco-labeling and environmental advertisement have positive and significant effect on consumer purchase behavior through brand image. Brand image has a role as an intervening variable between eco-brand, eco-labeling and environmental advertisement to consumer purchase behavior.

Towards an integrated model for the transference of environmental responsibility

AbstractThis research explores how environmental responsibility transfers to others. Although environmental responsibility is one of the most debated topics in environmental management literature, a framework describing how a teacher's environmental responsibility shapes the student's environmental responsibility is still lacking. Adopting emotional contagion theory as a lens, the paper addresses this issue via the mediation of emotional contagion and the moderation of a teacher's environmental concern. Based on a survey of teachers and students (N = 283) conducted in Pakistan, our findings provide evidence that a teacher's environmental responsibility can better transfer to students via emotional contagion. Additionally, our data establish that the transference of environmental responsibility from teachers to students via emotional contagion is more effective when the teacher has a high level of environmental concern than when he or she has a low level of environmental concern. Finally, the authors discuss the implications for policy in detail.

At home, in public, and in between: gender differences in public, private and transportation pro-environmental behaviors in the US Intermountain West

ABSTRACTResearch in environmental sociology finds differences between men and women in the performance of pro-environmental behaviors, but gender effects change over time, and vary by location and type of pro-environmental behavior. Thus, research needs to explore gender differences in various pro-environmental behaviors across different contexts, in order to contribute to better understanding of the connections between sustainability and gender equity. This paper analyzes the gendered differences in pro-environmental behaviors in the Intermountain West region of the United States using survey data collected in 2016 from five states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Utah, and Wyoming. Results of ordinary least squares and ordered logistic regression analyses indicate women are more likely than men to engage in pro-environmental behaviors in the private sphere. Gendered differences are also evident in public pro-environmental behaviors, though results suggest those may be a consequence of higher levels of environmental concern among women. An analysis of transportation behaviors yields mixed results. All three types of behaviors have implications for gender equity.

Latent demand for zero-emissions vehicles in Canada (Part 2): Insights from a stated choice experiment

This is Part 2 of a two-part study that explores latent demand for three types of zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs): plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (HFCVs). Using an in-depth, Reflexive Participant approach to data collection, our survey instrument includes two measures of latent demand implemented with a representative sample of 2123 new vehicle-buying households in Canada in 2017. While Part 1 (Long et al., this issue) reports on a design space exercise, here we summarize results from a stated choice experiment, using a latent class choice model to quantify respondent preferences and motivations, and the heterogeneity therein. We identify five unique respondent classes (or segments) that largely differ by their preferred drivetrain, only three of which demonstrate significant interest in ZEVs: PEV-enthusiast (representing 13% of the sample), PHEV-oriented (22%), and ZEV-neutral (21%). Respondents in all three classes tend to have higher levels of environmental concern or engagement in an environment-oriented lifestyle. All classes significantly value purchase price and incentives, but vary widely in valuation of fuel savings, charging access, and refueling access – with little overall valuation of driving range and public charging access. We calculate conditional choice probabilities as estimates of ZEV latent demand, which is equivalent to 29% of new market share under base conditions, and significantly increases to a high of 49% with purchase incentives and widespread charger deployment. Our discussion compares insights provided by the two stated response approaches to latent demand (in Parts 1 and 2), making a case for overall complementarity.

Pro-environmental Behavior of University Students: Influence of Cultural Differences

Responsible Consumption and Production, among the Sustainable Development Goals, indicates that humans should be aware of environmental problems which are to some extent, direct or indirect consequences of their behaviors. This indicates that the question of what shapes pro-environmental behavior (PEB) is difficult to understand. There has been an increasing concern towards individuals’ PEBs both at home and in the workplace. However, although some studies have shown significant concern-behavior relationship, others have revealed that environmental concern (EC) fails to predict PEB. Thus, whether individuals with higher levels of environmental concern perform more PEB has not received robust empirical support. Drawing on the corresponding literature, concern-behavior gap can be explained by the concept of cultural environmental biases. This study aims to test how cultural biases shape PEB. Following the model proposal which explores the effect of cultural biases on EC and PEB, a 42-item questionnaire has been developed and applied with the university students as they are expected to be the most informed and aware people about environmental issues. The findings are expected to deepen the understanding of concern-behavior relationship and cultural environmental biases as well as provide new insights for sustainable development practices. Keywords: pro-environmental behavior, environmental concern, cultural environmental biases, sustainable development goals

Lending a hand: perceptions of green credit cards

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of donation amount and framing on financial products, this research investigates consumers’ attitudes and behaviors toward cause-related credit cards with different donation sizes and framing types.Design/methodology/approachThis research investigates consumers’ perceptions of green credit cards using two experiments with a between-subject design (n =297) and a mixed design (n =238), respectively. All the participants, recruited from a major state university in the USA, are undergraduate students who use credit cards.FindingsA medium-size donation optimizes the outcome of a cause-related credit card offer. Moreover, a donation framed as cash rewards has stronger effects on a consumer’s perception and consequent reactions to the “green” credit cards than an annual percentage rate framing. Finally, consumers with high levels of environmental concern and propensity to volunteer have stronger intention to adopt and are more likely to recommend the proposed credit card.Originality/valueBuilding upon the theories of social exchange and symbolic interaction, this research is the first to provide empirical evidence regarding the application of volunteerism and perceived consumer effectiveness for financial institutions and their cause-related marketing campaign partners in selecting suitable environmental causes.

Environmental engagement among Latinos: an exploratory study of environmentalists in the greater Chicago area

Despite evidence that culturally heterogeneous groups are more effective in generating creative solutions to complex problems, environmental organizations in the USA remain predominantly White. In particular, Latinos—the largest and fastest growing minority group in the USA—remain underrepresented in the environmental sector despite expressing higher levels of environmental concern than other racial and ethnic groups. We sought to understand motivators and barriers to Latinos’ environmental engagement through semi-structured interviews with Latinos participating in environmental projects and organizations in the greater Chicago area. We describe four key themes that emerged from the interview data: meanings of terminology, experiences as Latinos in the environmental movement, barriers to Latino participation, and opportunities to increase Latino involvement. Experiences and perspectives reported by interviewees suggest that social-psychological and structural barriers contribute most substantially to Latino underrepresentation in the environmental sector. In light of these barriers, we discuss outreach strategies—including reframing environmental messaging around core terms and dismantling structural barriers to participation—that environmental organizations may wish to consider in their efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

An assessment of UK drivers’ attitudes regarding the forthcoming ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles

The purpose of the study was to predict how drivers of petrol or diesel cars might vote in a ‘Yes/No’ referendum concerning the UK government’s decision to ban from 2040 onwards the sale of all new non-electric vehicles. Five main factors were hypothesised to influence voting intention: a person’s (i) level of environmental concern, (ii) attitude towards electric cars (measured via an Implicit Association Test), (iii) belief about the importance of air pollution, (iv) driving requirements, and (v) reaction to the cost of the ban to the individual (assessed using a contingency valuation approach). The study also examined possible determinants of attitudes to electric vehicles, e.g., whether an individual was a ‘technology enthusiast’, had prior knowledge of and searched for knowledge about electric vehicles, and whether a person had played an online game where the player assumed the identity of an electric car driver. A structural equation model was developed and tested on a sample of 675 UK drivers, none of whom had ever owned or driven an electric car. The results suggested a good fit of the model to the data, except that neither environmental concern nor belief in the importance of clean air affected attitude to electric cars. Also, high levels of environmental concern did not motivate people to search for knowledge about electric vehicles. Social marketing campaigns that will be needed to precede the ban should focus on its health benefits, and not target particular age groups, gender, or whether a participant had children.