Pro-environmental Attitudes and Behaviors: An International Comparison

Data from international comparison surveys was analyzed to explore differences in environmental values amongst Asian and Western countries. We found that the structure of environmental values in Asian countries differs from those in Western countries. While an environmental way of thinking conforms to traditional Asian values of honoring parents and family security, Western people believe that such thinking opposes their traditional values. These structural differences, which have been documented by White (1967) and by several Japanese researchers (e.g., Watanabe 1995), are confirmed and clarified by our surveys. Our study reveals the following conclusions: First, in the Netherlands and the United States, environmental values are linked with altruistic values that are perceived as being contrary to traditional values. In Japan, Bangkok, and Manila, environmental values are linked with both traditional and altruistic values. Second, environmental values are contrary to egoistic and progressive values in all surveyed countries. Third, factors encouraging environmental actions differ by country and by type of actions.