How Different Are the Nordics? Unravelling the Willingness to Make Economic Sacrifices for the Environment

Abstract

The Nordic countries are often considered as remarkably exceptional in terms of the proenvironmental behavior of their citizens and also as forerunners in environmental policies. However, very few empirical studies have been done at the aggregated level about how the Nordics compare to other countries. The article addresses this knowledge gap and analyzes the Nordic region in terms of willingness to make economic sacrifices, proenvironmental attitudes and behaviors. Data (N = 5877) from the environment module of the International Social Survey Program (ISSP) are utilized, with nonparametric statistical tests and multinomial logistic regression employed—wherein, emphasis is placed on the regression models for willingness as dependent variables as analysis of the first order, with attitudes, behaviors and sociodemographic variables as part of second order analysis. The findings reveal that the region’s higher levels of willingness, attitudes, and behaviors become more salient when compared to third countries. People in the Nordic region who are ‘neither willing nor unwilling’ to protect the environment can be considered as distinct, and should not be arbitrarily lumped within the categories of the ‘unwilling’ or ‘willing’ respondents. These insights allow for a deeper understanding of peoples’ willingness and the relationships to respective attitudes and behaviors beneficial towards engaging the acceptability of extant environmental policies.

Environmental Sustainability Assessment of the European Union’s Capital Cities

“…These are based on the use of hydropower, geothermal, wind, biofuels energy, and others. However, what clearly distinguishes northern countries from other European Union capitals is the higher willingness of residents to sacrifice economic well-being for the environment, manifested also in their pro-environmental preferences and behaviours [ 102 ]. This is evident in the greater popularity of bicycle transport, the use of public transport, or in the choice of ecological solutions in the construction of houses, etc.…”