A Condition for Citizen Attitudes toward Environmental Issues: A Japan-Korea Comparative Study on the Tendency to Express Reasons

Abstract

Abstract: Based on a philosophical discussion of the citizen/consumer model, this study aims to reveal the determinants of citizen attitudes, specifically how individuals engage with environmental issues as citizens. Key requirements for citizen attitudes include the ability to provide reasons—including emotions such as anxieties about environmental problems—when making assertions or decisions. We conducted a web survey targeting both Japanese and Korean respondents and analyzed the determinants using logistic regression. The dependent variables were "reasons for engaging in pro-environmental behavior" and "emotions about the environment." Our analytical model posited that these "reasons" and "emotions" are influenced by factors such as the "Korean dummy," the "student dummy," perceptions of worsening environmental conditions, and the pro-environmental behavior of those around the respondents. The results supported this model. While Korean respondents were more likely to choose "social justice" as a reason for engaging in pro-environmental behavior, Japanese respondents often reported "no specific reason." Additionally, Japanese respondents frequently indicated "no strong emotions" regarding either local or global environmental issues. These findings suggest weaker citizen attitudes towards environmental concerns among the Japanese population.