Linear Econometric Estimations of the Effects of Religious Beliefs on Pro-environmental Behaviors

Abstract

Environmental protection has become a public concern as the economy grows, especially in developing countries. Previous studies have examined determinants of individual pro-environmental behaviors. Using data from a nationwide survey carried out in mainland China in 2013, we intend to estimate the effects of religious beliefs on individual pro-environmental behaviors. We employ a linear econometric model and apply an Ordinary Least Square estimator to estimate the model. We use five measures to represent pro-environmental behaviors and distinguish between plain and strong religious beliefs. Estimation results show that, in general, holding any religious belief has a significant impact on all types of pro-environmental behaviors. Moreover, strong religious beliefs have greater impacts on different types of pro-environmental behaviors. Policy implications of the paper could be that people with religious beliefs should not be the target of programs aiming at promoting individual pro-environmental behaviors.