The Perception of Environmental Threats in an International Comparative Perspective

• In Event: 254 - Section on Environment and Technology Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 02. Environmental Perception

Abstract

This paper explores the perception of environmental problems in an internationally comparative approach. It utilizes nationally representative public opinion data, which were collected by the International Social Survey Programme ISSP in 34 countries between 2010 and 2013. Based on a correspondence analysis considering all countries and a more detailed analysis of the United States, Germany, Belgium and South Africa, the results indicate a differentiation along nature and climate related problems such as water shortage, socially induced everyday issues such as waste disposal, and socially induced severe problems such as climate change and nuclear waste. Whereas the first set of problems can be found in countries such South Africa and thus explained by climate conditions, socially induced problems are not linked to specific regions.

Authors

• Markus Hadler, Macquarie University

• Klaus Kraemer, University of Graz