Socio-Demographic and Environmental Factors as Predictors of Pro-Environmental Behaviour Among South Africans

This study examined the predictors of pro-environmental behaviour (PEB)among South Africans, with the aim of understanding how socio-demographic and environmental variables influence individuals’ engagement in environmentally responsible actions. The research sought to determine both the nature of the relationships and the strength of association between these predictor variables and PEB. Using descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, the research analysed six socio-demographic and nine environmental psychology variables to assess their potential explanatory relationship with each other and in predicting PEB. Gender was significantly associated with higher environmental risk perception and activism, while age was positively related to the willingness to make personal sacrifices for environmental protection. By contrast, education had mixed effects, positively influencing environmental concern and identity but negatively associated with risk perception, activism, environmental practices, and overall PEB, thus indicating that higher educational attainment does not necessarily translate into stronger environmental action. Results from multiple regression analysis identified environmental risk perception as the strongest predictor of PEB, with environmental concern, activism, and regional context making little but significant contributions, thus highlighting the central role of perceived environmental risks in motivating sustainable behaviour among the sampled South Africans. Research identifying the strongest predictors of pro-environmental behaviour among South Africans can help government agencies, municipalities, environmental practitioners, and educators develop context-specific strategies that encourage sustainable lifestyles and environmental citizenship.