Determinants of Pro-Environmental Behaviours in Türkiye: The Role of Environmental Knowledge, Climate Change Scepticism, and Socio-Demographic Factors

Abstract

This study investigates the determinants of pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) in Türkiye, utilizing data from the 2010 wave of the Life in Transition Survey II (LITS II). Notably, this study is the first to analyse PEB determinants using a nationally representative sample of Türkiye, rather than focusing on specific regions or groups, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of these behaviours across the country. Employing a logistic regression estimation technique, the analysis reveals that traditional socio-demographic indicators including age, gender, having children, and employment status exert limited influence on PEBs. In contrast, environmental knowledge and concern about climate change are identified as significant determinants. Individuals with higher levels of environmental awareness demonstrate a greater propensity to engage in behaviours that mitigate environmental harm, underscoring the critical role of educational and awareness campaigns. Interaction effects suggest that while higher education and environmental awareness usually encourage pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs), this positive link might be weakened by skepticism about climate change. The results indicate that a comprehensive strategy, combining education, public awareness, and policy measures, is crucial for promoting PEBs in Türkiye. These findings provide important insights for policymakers aiming to align Türkiye’s economic development with the principles of environmental sustainability, thereby supporting the design of more effective national environmental policies.

Keywords

• Pro-Environmental Behaviours
• Environmental Knowledge
• Climate Change Scepticism
• Environmental Sustainability

Türkiye'de Çevre Dostu Davranışların Belirleyicileri: Çevresel Bilgi, İklim Değişikliği Şüpheciliği ve Sosyo-Demografik Faktörlerin Rolü

Öz

Bu çalışma, Türkiye'deki çevre dostu davranışların (Pro-Environmental Behaviours - PEBs) belirleyicilerini, 2010 yılında gerçekleştirilen Life in Transition Survey II (LITS II) verilerini kullanarak incelemektedir. Özellikle, bu çalışma, PEB belirleyicilerini Türkiye genelini temsil eden ulusal düzeyde bir örneklemle analiz eden ilk çalışma olup, belirli bölgeler veya gruplar yerine tüm ülke genelinde bu davranışların kapsamlı bir şekilde anlaşılmasını sağlamaktadır. Lojistik regresyon tahmin tekniği kullanılarak yapılan analiz, yaş, cinsiyet, çocuk sahibi olma ve istihdam durumu gibi geleneksel sosyo-demografik faktörlerin PEB üzerinde sınırlı bir etkisinin olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Buna karşılık, çevresel bilgi düzeyi ve iklim değişikliği konusundaki endişeler önemli belirleyiciler olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Çevre bilinci yüksek olan bireyler, çevresel zararı azaltacak davranışlarda bulunma eğilimindedir; bu da eğitim ve farkındalık kampanyalarının kritik rolünü vurgulamaktadır. Ancak, etkileşim etkileri, daha yüksek eğitim seviyesinin çevresel bilgi ile birlikte PEB'leri genellikle artırdığı, ancak iklim değişikliği şüpheciliğinin bu olumlu ilişkiyi zayıflatabileceğini göstermektedir. Sonuçlar, Türkiye'de çevre dostu davranışları teşvik etmek için eğitim, kamu farkındalığı ve politika önlemlerini birleştiren kapsamlı bir stratejinin gerekli olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu bulgular, Türkiye’nin ekonomik gelişimini çevresel sürdürülebilirlik ilkeleriyle uyumlu hale getirmeyi amaçlayan politika yapıcılar için önemli iç görüler sunmakta ve daha etkili ulusal çevre politikalarının tasarlanmasını desteklemektedir.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Çevre Dostu Davranışlar
• Çevresel Bilgi
• İklim Değişikliği Şüpheciliği
• Çevresel Sürdürülebilirlik

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