Misperception and pro-environmental behaviors of the Chinese public toward air pollution

Abstract

This study analyzes the misperceptions of the Chinese public about air pollution levels and other potential predictors of participation in pro-environmental behaviors based on the 2013 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS). In this paper, misperception is defined as the difference between subjective perceptions of air pollution and measurements through objective monitoring. We find that pessimistic respondents are more likely to participate in pro-environmental behaviors. The media use and evaluation of the environmental performance of the local government significantly stimulate pro-environmental participation. The results reveal that knowledge and concern about the environment can mitigate the negative effect of optimistic bias on pro-environmental behaviors. In regions where environmental information is widely available, environmental pessimists are especially more likely to participate in such activities. This finding suggests that the government should provide not only accurate information about environmental pollution but also relevant education to enhance the environmental awareness of the public and stimulate pro-environmental participation.

Keywords

• Misperception
• Optimism bias
• Pessimism bias
• Pro-environmental behaviors
• Air pollution