Ethnic and immigrant differences in environmental values and behaviors

Abstract

We report results from a decade of nationwide surveys of New Zealand registered voters and an application of the Natural Area Value Scale that identify differences between a limited set of ethnic groups and between people born in New Zealand and immigrants. Ethnicity and birthplace were important determinants of environmental orientations as measured by Natural Area Value Scale factor scores, perceptions of the state of a large number of environmental domains, and engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. Our analysis highlights the importance of including interaction effects between ethnicity, immigrant status, and sociodemographic attributes. Results are consistent across environmental domains and activities, supporting the existence of fundamental interethnic differences in environmental perceptions, orientations, and behaviors.