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How Perceived Proximity to Climate Change Threats Affects Pro-Environmental Behaviors in South Korea?

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  • Jeeyoung Park

    (Department of Political Science, Sungshin Women’s University, Seoul 02844, Republic of Korea)

  • Kiyoung Chang

    (Department of Political Science and International Relations, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

This study explores how perceived proximity to environmental threats influences pro-environmental behaviors in South Korea. We find that individuals are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly actions, such as reducing their standard of living, paying higher taxes, and purchasing higher-priced eco-friendly products when they perceive climate change as a nearby threat. Our findings highlight the importance of perceived immediacy in motivating significant lifestyle changes and financial sacrifices for environmental protection. The results also reveal that political ideology influences these behaviors, with conservative individuals showing less support for green taxes and financial sacrifices. Additionally, higher levels of education and income, along with older age, correlate with a greater willingness to adopt pro-environmental behaviors. These insights contribute to environmental psychology by highlighting the role of perceived proximity in shaping environmental attitudes and behaviors, informing the development of targeted policies aimed at fostering sustainable behaviors, and addressing local environmental threats.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeeyoung Park & Kiyoung Chang, 2024. "How Perceived Proximity to Climate Change Threats Affects Pro-Environmental Behaviors in South Korea?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-12, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7298-:d:1463575
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jae Young Lim & Kuk-Kyoung Moon, 2020. "Examining the Moderation Effect of Political Trust on the Linkage between Civic Morality and Support for Environmental Taxation," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-15, June.
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    4. Lorraine Whitmarsh, 2008. "Are flood victims more concerned about climate change than other people? The role of direct experience in risk perception and behavioural response," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(3), pages 351-374, April.
    5. Jae Young Lim & Kuk-Kyoung Moon, 2020. "Perceived Environmental Threats and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Investigating the Role of Political Participation Using a South Korean Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-16, May.
    6. Myria Allen, 2016. "Understanding Pro-Environmental Behavior: Models and Messages," CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance, in: Strategic Communication for Sustainable Organizations, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 105-137, Springer.
    7. Jaeyoung Lim & Kuk-Kyoung Moon, 2021. "Can Political Trust Weaken the Relationship between Perceived Environmental Threats and Perceived Nuclear Threats? Evidence from South Korea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-13, September.
    8. Nayeon Kim & Kyungtag Lee, 2023. "Environmental Consciousness, Purchase Intention, and Actual Purchase Behavior of Eco-Friendly Products: The Moderating Impact of Situational Context," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-17, March.
    9. Myria Allen, 2016. "Sustainability and Communication," CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance, in: Strategic Communication for Sustainable Organizations, edition 127, chapter 0, pages 1-19, Springer.
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    Cited by:

    1. Fanli Jia, 2025. "Integrating Interdisciplinary Insights into Sustainability: Psychological, Cultural, and Social Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-6, March.

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