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National Differences in Age and Future-Oriented Indicators Relate to Environmental Performance

Author

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  • Stylianos Syropoulos

    (Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Boston, MA 02467, USA
    The Schiller Institute for Integrated Science and Society, Boston College, Boston, MA 02467, USA)

  • Kyle Fiore Law

    (Department of Psychology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY 12222, USA)

  • Liane Young

    (Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Boston College, Boston, MA 02467, USA)

Abstract

Environmental concerns inherently involve an intergenerational aspect, where today’s decisions can have far-reaching effects on future generations. Numerous national characteristics can forecast a nation’s commitment to investing in environmental sustainability. This study expands on previous research and offers evidence in support of Gott’s principle, which states that citizens may use their country’s age to forecast its remaining lifespan. Specifically, we show that a nation’s age positively relates to intergenerational solidarity—a country’s willingness to sacrifice for future generations. Furthermore, country age and other future-oriented variables, such as a country’s Long-Term Orientation and ability to overcome temporal discounting, are linked to sustainability-related indicators, indicating that countries concerned about the future also exhibit greater concern for the environment. These findings reinforce the value of framing a country as a long-standing entity and implementing intergenerational framing interventions to motivate pro-environmental engagement.

Suggested Citation

  • Stylianos Syropoulos & Kyle Fiore Law & Liane Young, 2023. "National Differences in Age and Future-Oriented Indicators Relate to Environmental Performance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:276-:d:1308957
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Junxian Shen & Hongfeng Zhang, 2024. "Individuals’ Social Identity and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Cross-Cultural Evidence from 48 Regions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-17, December.

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