|
Abstract:
Objective: We
explore the impact of geographical proximity of environmental
problems on environmental
concern and willingness to pay (WTP) for environmental
improvement, with emphasis
on the relevance of Inglehart’s postmaterialism thesis on this
inquiry. Method: A questionnaire
was administered to 1565 respondents in Istanbul. The Contingent
Valuation Method was used to
measure WTP. Sea pollution in Istanbul (local issue), soil
erosion in Turkey (national
issue), and ozone depletion (global issue) were issues chosen
for valuation. The sample
was separated into three sub-samples, each being presented with
only one issue. Results: Individuals
distinguish between local and global environmental concern.
People with materialist
values rather than postmaterialist values exhibit more concern
for local environmental
problems. However, postmaterialist values determine WTP for
improvement in both the
local and the global environmental problems. Conclusion: Distinguishing
among concern for
environmental issues which are differentiated on the basis of
geographical proximity has
relevance for the ongoing postmaterialist values debate.
|
