Perception Of Environmental Problems Research Articles

Influence of the socio-spatial context on the perception of environmental problems in cities in Spain and Argentina

Frequently, the relationship between humans and the rest of the biosphere led to environmental problems. The social perception of these problems, their impacts and their spatial scale (local or global) is a necessary line of research for the well-being of society and environmental conservation. To analyse social perception, a survey was carried out in capital and non-capital cities in Argentina and Spain. This study proposes novel attitudes (forms of perception) that have not been studied so far. These are: blind (no perception of the problem), myopic (local perception) and emmetropic (local and global perception), together with the previously studied hyperopic attitude (global perception). Results showed the perception of specific problems related to pollution, deforestation, global change, and discharges, among others. There was a predominantly emmetropic perception, highlighting a hyperopic attitude towards deforestation, with no perception of some problems. In Argentina, as in capital cities (densely populated areas), myopic attitudes predominated, with fewer problems perceived than in Spain or in non-capital cities (areas with lower population density), where emmetropic and hyperopic attitudes predominated. The results did not show similar attitudes between the two countries studied, and spatial proximity did not influence environmental perception. Less densely populated areas showed greater specific concern about agricultural and pollution problems, while more densely populated areas perceived general problems such as global change. Future studies on environmental perception, which delve deeper into the society-biosphere relationship, are essential to develop environmental awareness policies aimed at effectively mitigating the impacts of environmental problems.

Subject Student Teachers’ Perceptions of Key Environmental Problems and Their Own Role as Environmental Problem Solvers

Teachers play a crucial role in supporting the development of students’ environmental knowledge and skills for responding to environmental change, but previous research has not sufficiently explored teachers’ perceptions of this matter. The article reports on a survey aimed at studying subject student teachers’ (SSTs, n = 113) perceptions of environmental problems, their interest in sustainable development (SD) and their own role as environmental problem solvers. The material was gathered using a questionnaire and analysis by quantitative methods. Urban environment and infrastructure problems were the most frequently mentioned. Problems of ecosystems and indifference and a lack of information were also mentioned often, while the least noted were problems of human wellbeing. The majority of SSTs were interested in SD, but interest in SD was dependent on the discipline studied and gender. Two-thirds of women and one-third of men were very interested, and more than half of biology and geography SSTs were very interested. Over half of SSTs reported that environmental problems had to be solved by someone else; only about one-seventh perceived themselves to be solvers. The SSTs felt that they could influence the solutions to environmental problems more often on a local than on a regional or global level.

Degree of importance of demographic and socio-cultural factors in environmental perception: bases for the design of public policies in Argentina and Spain

Environmental problems on a global scale (such as climate change) are of increasing concern in the scholar. However, it is unclear to what extent society is aware of the severity of these problems. The aim of this study is to advance our knowledge about the environmental perceptions of citizens, with the understanding that citizen participation and action are key to mitigating environmental problems. Specifically, we aim to determine the degree of importance of demographic and sociocultural factors in this perception. To this end, data from 506 questionnaires carried out in Spain and Argentina were analysed. Quantitative data were treated using multivariate analysis based on multiple logistic regression. The results showed that demographic variables, such as location and age, have a greater influence than sociocultural variables, such as profession and sources of environmental information, in the perception of environmental problems. Our findings show that the analysis of environmental perception is a useful tool both for incorporating the point of view of local actors in public policies and for defining effective strategies for action in participatory management. They also show that the different age, occupation and profession of the population must be taken into account and that, to address specific environmental problems, it is necessary to carry out diagnoses focussed on demographic factors, mainly to find out which aspects should be strengthened through programmes and projects aimed at solving environmental problems. It is important to bear in mind that the behaviour of local actors is related to their environmental perception.

Perceptions of environmental problems and solutions in Florida across sectors: A survey of key stakeholders and the public.

We build on environmental attitude research to provide a foundation for considering policies making economic and environmental trade-offs. We conducted a large online survey of Florida public attitudes (n = 829), a state grappling with trade-offs between economic development and environmental quality. Findings provide the first baseline understanding of Floridian perceptions of relationships between key economic drivers and the environment. Environmental problems were generally considered important and pro-environmental policy options are highly supported. The environment was considered more important to Florida's culture and future than key industries, with only tourism considered more important to the economy. Development was considered least important. Individual differences, including gender, political party, and industry affiliation, predicted policy support and attitudes toward trade-offs. Modeled together, attitudes toward government involvement and the importance of the environment to Florida predicted additional variance in policy support. Results highlight the intersection of social identities and ideological attitudes in shaping environmental policy attitudes.

More green, fewer problems: landcover relates to perception of environmental problems

The relationship between (a) the structure and composition of the landscape around an individual's home and (b) environmental perceptions and health outcomes has been well demonstrated (eg the value of vegetation cover to well‐being). Few studies, however, have examined how multiple landscape features (eg vegetation and water cover) relate to perceptions of multiple environmental problems (eg air or water quality) and whether those relationships hold over time. We utilized a long‐term dataset of geolocated telephone surveys in Baltimore, Maryland, to identify relationships between residents’ perceptions of environmental problems and nearby landcover. Residents of neighborhoods with more vegetation or located closer to water were less likely to perceive environmental problems. Water quality was one exception to this trend, in that people were more likely to perceive water‐quality problems when nearby water cover was greater. These trends endured over time, suggesting that these relationships are stable and therefore useful for informing policy aimed at minimizing perceived environmental problems.

Does internet use improve the public evaluation of government environmental governance (GEG) in China? An analysis using the Chinese Social Survey, 2013-2017

Based on three datasets of the Chinese Social Survey (CSS) 2013, 2015, and 2017 and the National Statistical Yearbook, this study examined whether and in what ways using the Internet may or may not affect the public evaluation of government environmental governance (GEG). There are three main findings. First, Internet use has a negative influence on the public evaluation of GEG. Second, there has been an urban-rural difference in terms of Internet use; especially for the rural resident, increasing their use of the Internet significantly lowered their evaluation of GEG. Third, Internet use affects GEG mainly through political trust, whilst it tends to enhance people’s perception of environmental problems; however, it has little influence on their evaluation of GEG. This finding implies that public evaluation of GEG should be viewed as an important inter-subjective dimension of GEG; especially in the Internet era, it has become increasingly necessary for the government to not only continuously improve the quality of governance by dealing with actual/practical environmental issues, but also enhance its ability to react to the public opinions online effectively and appropriately.

What Do They Feel, Do, and Expect? The Young Generation’s Perception of Environmental Problems and Sustainable Development Goals in the Context of Quality of Life

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the need to rethink, revision, and modify the sustainable development goals since changes have never been so unpredictable in terms of future events. While material welfare has long been identified and given attention, the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of health security and socio-psychological well-being. The aim of this article is to identify the young generation’s perception of environmental problems and sustainable development goals in the context of quality of life. In January 2022, we conducted an online survey (CAWI) among 120 young adults aged 21–28, who were asked, i.a., to assess current ecological threats, economic security, and social problems and to reevaluate the goals of sustainable development. One of the general conclusions is that global threats are more important for young people than local ones, and future threats are more important than the present ones. The results indicate a high awareness and sensitivity among the young generation to the important elements of the sustainable development goals, particularly regarding the elimination of hunger, the access to potable water, and providing education in the global dimension. The research results reflect the expectations of the young generation regarding the implementation of sustainable development goals, especially concerning environmental and social aspects.

Perception of Environmental Problems Among Higher Education Students in Peru

Environmental education aims to rethink the relationship between human beings and nature. It is the most effective tool to generate change towards improving the environment and sustainable development. The university environment is emerging as the ideal context to establish an environmental education that promotes the training of professionals responsible for the environment and sustainable development. In this case, the work aims at exploring the perception of Peruvian university students regarding environmental problems both at the local and national levels. To do this, a survey was conducted of 714 university students of different ages, from different locations and university careers.

Causes, Consequences and Solutions to Environmental Problems from the Eyes of Preschool Children

This study is a case study that investigates the perceptions of preschool children about the causes, consequences, and solutions to environmental problems. A total of 41 children participated in the study. The data were obtained by using the draw and explain the technique, which included 3 different drawings and telling the children about the causes, consequences, and solutions of environmental problems. In the analysis of the data, the content analysis method was used. As a result of the research, it was found that the preschool children's perceptions were limited; however, as the age group grows, it has been determined that the icons used in the pictures related to the causes, consequences, and solutions of the environmental problems vary. It was revealed that the children associate the causes and consequences of environmental problems with pollution and the ways of solving environmental problems with the prevention/elimination of this pollution. It has been observed that the number of children related to the destruction of nature and irresponsible consumption of natural resources with environmental problems is very limited. In order to improve children's perceptions of environmental problems, it is suggested that teachers and parents should give more space to activities and games related to the environment in daily flow.

Causes, Consequences and Solutions to Environmental Problems from the Eyes of Preschool Children

This study is a case study that investigates the perceptions of preschool children about the causes, consequences, and solutions to environmental problems. A total of 41 children participated in the study. The data were obtained by using the draw and explain the technique, which included 3 different drawings and telling the children about the causes, consequences, and solutions of environmental problems. In the analysis of the data, the content analysis method was used. As a result of the research, it was found that the preschool children's perceptions were limited; however, as the age group grows, it has been determined that the icons used in the pictures related to the causes, consequences, and solutions of the environmental problems vary. It was revealed that the children associate the causes and consequences of environmental problems with pollution and the ways of solving environmental problems with the prevention/elimination of this pollution. It has been observed that the number of children related to the destruction of nature and irresponsible consumption of natural resources with environmental problems is very limited. In order to improve children's perceptions of environmental problems, it is suggested that teachers and parents should give more space to activities and games related to the environment in daily flow.

THE FIELD OF STUDY AS A FACTOR DIFFERENTIATING STUDENTS’ LEVEL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS

The aim of the research presented in this paper was to identify differences in environmental awareness among students of degree programmes in various fields of study. A research hypothesis was adopted stating that the field of science within which a given field of study is conducted influences students’ perception of environmental problems. Based on surveys conducted using an original questionnaire among 418 students representing 106 fields of the study carried out at 44 Polish universities, within the framework of all fields of science, a number of regularities were revealed. It was shown that each of the distinguished groups of students has its own, separate characteristics. The greatest similarities can be found between the students of medical, natural and social sciences. Students of the humanities and technical sciences differ significantly from them.

Are environmental problems a barometer of corruption in the eyes of residents? Evidence from China

AbstractActual environmental pollution will worsen people's perception of environmental problems, which may affect people's perception of government corruption, and thus affect the governments' credibility and social stability. From the micro perspective of residents' comprehensive feelings on environmental issues, this paper uses panel data for the period 2014–2018 obtained from a large‐scale dynamics survey in China to investigate the impact of environmental issues on corruption perception. The empirical results suggest that residents' perception of environmental problems has a significantly positive linear correlation with their corruption perception. Moreover, the causal explanation of this correlation is strengthened after the introduction of exogenous environmental condition variables that profoundly affect residents' environmental perception and after mitigating endogenous bias via the instrumental variable method. The findings of this study deeply reveal the political value of environmental governance, suggesting that the deterioration of environmental problems can increase public perception of government corruption, and this relationship is distinct in different demographic groups.

Improving Students' Critical Thinking Skills Against Environmental Problems: Practicum Mini Project "Understanding Public Perceptions of Environmental Problems"

The purpose of this research is to improve students' critical thinking skills towards environmental problems through mini-project practicum activities on the concept of understanding public perceptions of environmental problems. This research is descriptive research using a qualitative approach. The subjects in this study were Semester II class E students who took Environmental Science courses in the Even Semesters of the 2019/2020 Academic Year. The instrument used to measure critical thinking skills using indicators developed by Ennis are 1) Elementary, 2) Clarification Basic Support, 3) Inference, 4) Advanced Clarification, 5) Strategies and Tactics. Results The average critical thinking ability of 20 students is in the medium category (average score of 69.54). Of the 20 students, 10% were in the very high category, 30% in the high category, 25% in the medium category, and 35% in the low category. Indicators of students' critical thinking in 5 aspects, each of which has an average value that is in the medium category

Construction of the problem of pollution of Baltic Sea in mass-media

To date, quite a lot of research has been carried out in the field of natural sciences regarding the problem of pollution of the Baltic Sea, but their results are available to a small community of scientists and experts. Most of the population receives information from media messages, in which it is inevitably transformed. The purpose of the study is to identify the main constructs (representations of problems) formed on news portals on the subject of pollution of the Baltic Sea. A constructivist approach was used to analyze the materials. The study revealed that the media form a picture that is significantly different from objective scientific information about the pollution of the Baltic Sea. At the same time, the interpretation of environmental problems differs markedly on regional and federal news portals. Three main types of constructs have been identified: the construct of danger, the construct of economic gain, and the construct of local environmental conflict. These constructs form citizens' perceptions of environmental problems and ways to overcome them. Understanding not only real environmental problems, but their representation in the media, which shape citizens' perceptions of these problems, is necessary to develop a pollution minimization strategy.

Nature Management from the Perspective of the Ministers of Agriculture and State Property of the Russian Empire

The article examines how the reports of ministers of Agriculture and State Property reflected the results of their official trips across the Russian Empire and their evaluation of the manifestation of intensive use of natural resources. It also analyses the impact of their opinions and suggestions with regard to the state nature management. The main methodological approach lies in the ideas of environmental history — an interdisciplinary scientific area devoted to various aspects of interaction between man and nature. Ministerial notes on the results of their official trips, along with the State Audit Office, senatorial audits, annual reports of ministers and governors, created an overall picture of the state affairs for the emperor. The article presents an analysis of 11 reports by M. N. Ostrovskii and A. S. Ermolov for the 1880s–1900s based on the archival and published sources. The duality of perception of environmental problems by ministers is noted: they had to balance between the maximum use of natural resources for the economy and the need to protect them from depletion. Often, the ministers’ suggestions on the careful nature management were taken into account in the government decisions. Thus, since the end of the 19th century, reclamation, reforestation, and other activities had been actively carried out. Also, there was an intensive development of the Ural and Siberian resources. The trips of the ministers of Agriculture and State property played an important role in identifying, diagnosing, and minimizing the environmental problems. However, the state nature restoration didn’t adequately compensate anthropogenic damage to nature. That was because the state paid more attention to geopolitical and economic development, which led to the extensive use and depletion of natural resources.

Parties and their environmental problem perceptions\u2014Towards a\xa0more fundamental understanding of party positions in environmental politics

Research on party differences in environmental policy, so far, has developed ambiguous results. While we, generally, assume parties to make a difference in policy-making, some scholars point to party indifferences in environmental issues. Thus, whether and how parties take different positions on the issue and whether their positions impact environmental policy output and outcome is still up for debate. To further our knowledge of party positions in this area, we propose to include parties’ perceptions of environmental problems when analysing their general stances. Based on pertinent policy analysis literature, we differentiate seven dimensions of environmental problems and develop an approach that we apply to party manifestos. By analysing the platforms of 20 parties from three European countries, we illustrate its potential contributions to established measurements based on CHES and CMP data. The analysis indicates that parties differ considerably concerning their problem perception ranging from simple to holistic views on environmental policy. Importantly, we can highlight some differences between parties otherwise omitted in existing measurements. Overall, our inquiry shows that some parties, e.g., Green parties, coherently show a holistic problem perception while others, e.g., Liberals, differ considerably, casting doubt on the assumption of clear-cut party family positions.

Conceptual proposal of the landscape as an environmental indicator for the spatial and temporal study of the territory

Objective: To propose the landscape as an environmental indicator that spatially and temporally, describes, analyzes, and evaluates territory, by changing some natural, social, economic, and cultural components. Approach: Different methodological concepts of the landscape and environmental indicators were reviewed, as well as their characteristics to describe and evaluate the environment. Results: It was found that the landscape is a comprehensive analysis method for the study of the environment, by selecting the parameters that describe and represent each landscape, through shapes, size, colors, textures, shadows, patterns, situations, associated features, and structures arranged under a spatial and temporal order which, when perceived by humans, present a given form of organization or disorganization in the environment. Implications: The environmental indicator allows to analyze and evaluate the changes in space and time, with updated qualitative and quantitative research. These changes play an important role in building the perception of environmental problems through the landscape. Conclusion: Landscape is an integral component that describes the biotic and abiotic elements of a given space. While, as an environmental indicator, it analyzes and evaluates changes in the composition and configuration of the environment, both spatially and temporally.

Ecological consciousness as a factor influencing the sustainable development of European countries


 
 
 he article is devoted to the study of the influence of ecological public con- sciousness on the state of perception of ecological problems in European countries and Ukraine. Ecological consciousness is considered as a latent determinant of modern tendencies of realization of the concept of sustainable development in the context of greening of the international economic system. It is noted that in conditions of social uncertainty, people have the effect of «ecological alienation» as a characteristic of the state of perception of environmental problems in the minds of members of modern society. Although the issues of rational use of economic resources, finding ways to green the international economy, preventing man-made risks and the global envi- ronmental crisis are the focus of European governments, an effective solution to these issues is not possible without the reliable support of society. After all, the effectiveness of the environmental policy of each state depends on the trends of perception of environmental problems by its citizens. Issues of environmental consciousness are more related to ethical categories, as they have a significant impact on the formation of civic attitudes of the individual regarding the perception of the importance of certain aspects of society. That is why the analysis of the state of ecological consciousness of the inhabitants of European countries and Ukraine was studied according to the results of the 7th wave, 2017-2020 of the comparative study “World Values Survey” (WVS) using comparative and typological analysis. The World Values Survey is the largest non-profit international survey of human beliefs and values, which contributes to the monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals and the goals set by the UN program for the period after 2015. From the presented data set, the basic empirical components were identified, which, according to the authors, illustrate the European context of the greening of con- sciousness - the attitude to technologization; the priority of the ecological state of the country over the economic development of soci- ety; the state of trust in environmental protection organizations and the level of active civil position on environmental protection. On the basis of the secondary analysis of data, the key modern tendencies of formation of ecological consciousness in the countries of Europe and Ukraine are substantiated: tendency to ecological thinking; formation of ecological culture; economic rationality. The conclusion is made about the expediency of monitoring and forecasting the state of ecological public consciousness as one of the factors regulating global socio-economic processes in European countries and Ukraine. According to the authors, the environmental consciousness of members of society determines the degree of permissible range of orientation of a country to implement environmentally friendly goals of sustainable development. The study of the variability of the dominance of the trends of ecological consciousness mentioned in the article in certain socio-demographic communities allows to create an effective system of social guarantees in providing conditions for effective socio-economic development and maintaining an ecologically healthy living environment, both in Europe as a whole and in individual countries, in particular.
 
 

Water saving practices conditioned by socioeconomic factors: A case study of Ecuadorian households

One of the essential environmental goods is water, thus, some governments have implemented policies that allow regulating and protecting this valuable resource. Additionally, it is necessary to understand the behaviour of people to its consumption. The objective of this paper is to determine which socioeconomic factors have a greater influence on water-saving practices in households in Ecuador and thus be able to recommend policy formulations that help to conserve it. The database for the Monitoring Survey for the National Development Plan applied by the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses [INEC] (December 2019) was used. The sections of the survey that were used to obtain the variables were: education, environmental information, housing, and household data. Furthermore, the econometric logit model was used to identify the factors that influence water-saving practices in the home and five main dependent variables were taken into account: closing the taps while soaping the dishes or doing other activities, showering for less than 10 min, using a bucket and not a hose for certain activities, checking pipes regularly and water reuse while the independent variables were grouped into two groups: socio-economic and environmental awareness and responsibility. The results show that the most significant determinant variables of water-saving practices for households in Ecuador are gender, marital status, homeownership, and the main finding is the variable of perception of environmental problems, which is significant in most of the proposed models. Finally, as a policy implication, in addition to the tax burden on water consumption, governments can implement campaigns that promote awareness, saving, and the proper use of this resource; laws can also be established that sanction the misuse of water.

Changing the Perception of Business Values in the Perspective of Environmental Sustainability

This study provides an overview of practical approaches to sustainability and its communication to the public in the business sector. The research presented in this article is focused on perceived sustainability in micro and small enterprises in Slovakia through research of business models used by these enterprises using a qualitative approach. The aim is to provide a general view on this topic and to prepare the basis for a sustainable business model composed of the values of society in micro and small businesses in Slovakia. The research consists of two phases—research in the field of business environment through personal interviews with entrepreneurs (examination of parameters: locality, waste management, ecological components, minimization of waste) and research of consumers’ perceived values within the perception of environmental problems. Businesses perceive the seriousness and necessity of solving the problem. Entrepreneurs from the micro and small segments perceive the high importance of solving elements of sustainability. They mentioned the minimization of waste as the most important element, the highest value on the scale (5) was marked by up to 85% of respondents. From a customer survey, it is possible to assess that almost 86% of respondents in this case feel that global problems are affecting them personally and at the same time more than 62% of them believe that they can influence the offerings of companies through their purchases and support sustainability in the business environment.