Civic Cooperation, Pro-Environment Attitudes, and Individual Behavior

Abstract:     
Using data from approximately 30,000 individuals in over 30 countries, we find evidence that an individual's level of civic cooperation is positively associated with pro-environment attitudes. The relationship between civic cooperation and actual behavior is more complex. Civic cooperation increases the probability of belonging to or volunteering for an environmental group, but only among those individuals who have a high level of trust in these groups. Furthermore, the influence of civic cooperation on environmental attitudes and behaviors varies with the level of development and the environmental quality of the country in which an individual lives. Finally, we document a positive relationship between pro-environment attitudes and behavior, although pro-environment attitudes are much more prevalent world-wide than pro-environment behavior.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 39

Keywords: Free riders, environment, civic behavior

JEL Classification: H4, Q2, O3

working papers series