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Ideas to action: environmental beliefs, behaviors, and support for environmental policies

Author

Listed:
  • Chenyang Xiao

    (American University)

  • Jan Buhrmann

    (Illinois College)

Abstract

This study uses data from two independent surveys of three communities in Colorado and Wyoming in 1997 and 2012 and examines how environmental attitudes and beliefs (as measured by the New Environmental Paradigm Scale) are related to support for a range of environmental policies and self-reported environmental actions. Results of structural equation modeling show that policy support mediates the influences of the NEP on environmental action, compatible with the value-belief-norm theory. In addition, this study finds a weaker relationship between policy support and environmental action in 2012 than 1997, indicating that environmental beliefs play an increasingly weaker role over time in the decision of individuals to engage in environmental actions. Community comparisons suggest that recycling infrastructure may be a significant facilitator for environmental actions.

Suggested Citation

  • Chenyang Xiao & Jan Buhrmann, 2019. "Ideas to action: environmental beliefs, behaviors, and support for environmental policies," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 9(2), pages 196-205, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:9:y:2019:i:2:d:10.1007_s13412-019-00541-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-019-00541-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xu Xu & Kevin Sylwester, 2016. "Environmental Quality and International Migration," Kyklos, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 69(1), pages 157-180, February.
    2. W. Kip Viscusi & Joel Huber & Jason Bell, 2011. "Promoting Recycling: Private Values, Social Norms, and Economic Incentives," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 101(3), pages 65-70, May.
    3. Sverker C. Jagers & Johan Martinsson & Simon Matti, 2016. "The Environmental Psychology of the Ecological Citizen: Comparing Competing Models of Pro-Environmental Behavior," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 97(5), pages 1005-1022, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Audronė Minelgaitė & Genovaitė Liobikienė, 2021. "Changes in pro-environmental behaviour and its determinants during long-term period in a transition country as Lithuania," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(11), pages 16083-16099, November.

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