Comparative Studies of Environmental Attitude and its Determinants IN Three East Asia Countries: Korea, Japan, and China

Abstract

Our research empirically analyzes the different determinants, state, and changes around environmental attitude in three East Asia countries Korea, Japan, and China. As environmental problems are the first item on the agenda for public policy, it is required to examine environmentalism in the three countries. To conduct empirical research about environmentalism in Korea, Japan, and China, first, we review the existing literature related to environmentalism, especially its determinants, and then we establish the research model. Second, we find out the determinants for environmental attitude by doing a regression analysis. Third, to know the present state of environmental attitude and its determinant factors, we compare the mean scores and their ranks. Finally, to infer the future direction of environmentalism, we draw the past trajectory of change in determinants. In conclusion, we summarized the determinants, state, and trajectory of change across the three countries.

Key Words:

• environmentalism
• environmental concern
• change in determinants

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Seoyong Kim

Seoyong Kim is an associate professor, department of public administration at Ajou University, Suwon, Korea. He publishes on the topics of cultural theory, risk perception, and environmental conflicts and his work appears in academic journals such as Policy Sciences, Innovation, Social Indicators Research. He obtained his Ph.D. at Korea University.

Sungwook Kim

Sungwook Kim is a senior researcher of Asian Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability at Seoul National University. She takes interests in econometrics, value assessment of public goods, analyzing & modeling survey matters. She also focuses on environmental issues in public policy. She obtained Ph.D. at Seoul National University.