Abstract

This study aims to measure the environmental concern in Romania, to investigate its state of fact at regional and county levels and to provide a better understanding of its determinants. Using data from World Values Survey (2010-2014), there were firstly analyzed the perceptions (care for environment, perspective on environmental pollution, alternative between protecting environment vs. economic growth), then active participation (membership in an environmental organization, financing ecological organization, participation in demonstration for environment) and, lastly, integrating both in one general composite index, we obtained the profiles and the distribution of individuals: (1) with positive perceptions towards environment; (2) with active participation in environmental activities; (3) with a high level of general environmental concern. We found out that the personal position regarding environment concern is influenced by: educational level, post-materialist values, gender and feeling of happiness. Thus, there is a higher probability for a person to be more aware and involved in pro-environmental actions in the conditions of having tertiary education, post-materialist values, feeling happy. More, the probability is higher for men than for women. We also concluded that the environmental concern is very low in all the Romanian regions, but the Northern part of the country registers better levels. Per counties, Harghita and Neamt seem to have the highest levels of concern towards environment. Considering different measuring approaches and a more careful segmentation of population in Romania, our findings represent potential starting points for better targeted national and regional environmental policies.