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Climate change and behavior: Do environmental attitudes and perceptions impact on subjective well-being in Europe?

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  • Ary José A. Souza-Jr.

Abstract

Do subjects’ reactions to climate change help us understand how behavior affects their well-being level? To answer, this article assesses the impact of a large set of Environmental Perceptions and Attitudes (EPA) on subjective well-being across 21 European countries, using an ordered probit model. Furthermore, it tests whether personality traits are capable to influence the relationship between EPA and well-being. The estimation uses data from the European Social Survey, along with air pollution (PM10), precipitation, waste production, and macro variables. This paper builds on Ferrer-i-Carbonell and Gowdy (2007), considering two additional groups of EPA: energy affairs and new expressions of environmental awareness. The results show that both groups have a statistically significant effect on well-being, indicating that a higher variety of EPA may influence welfare. The outcomes also indicate that personality traits partially influence the link between well-being and EPA across Europe.

Suggested Citation

  • Ary José A. Souza-Jr., 2021. "Climate change and behavior: Do environmental attitudes and perceptions impact on subjective well-being in Europe?," Working Papers REM 2021/0207, ISEG - Lisbon School of Economics and Management, REM, Universidade de Lisboa.
    • Handle: RePEc:ise:remwps:wp02072021
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