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Green returns to education: Does education affect pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in China?

Author

Listed:
  • Qi Wang
  • Geng Niu
  • Xu Gan
  • Qiaoling Cai

Abstract

Using microdata from the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS 2010), this paper investigates whether there are green returns to education in China, where educational attainment promotes pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. We establish causality by exploiting the exogenous variation induced by the implementation of the Compulsory Schooling Law (CSL) in China. We find evidence that educational attainment is associated with higher levels of pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors, and these estimates are robust to various robustness checks. Further analysis reveals that the acquisition of environmental knowledge is the channel that drives the effect of education on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors. Finally, the effects of education are heterogeneous across individuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Qi Wang & Geng Niu & Xu Gan & Qiaoling Cai, 2022. "Green returns to education: Does education affect pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in China?," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 17(2), pages 1-20, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0263383
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263383
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Shan Jin & Yasuhiro Matsuoka & Meng Yue & Glyn Jones & Lynn J. Frewer, 2024. "Does information about environmental considerations affect Chinese and UK consumers’ purchase intentions for traced foods? A path analysis," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(12), pages 32287-32318, December.
    4. Sergio Venegas Marin & Lara Schwarz & Shwetlena Sabarwal, 2024. "The Impact of Climate Change on Education and What to Do about It," World Bank Publications - Reports 41483, The World Bank Group.
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