The Personal Threat of Environmental Problems as Predictor of Environmental Practices

In the 1990 Orange County (CA) Annual Survey, residents who perceive that environmental problems pose a very serious threat to their health and well-being are more likely to engage overall in environmental practices and, specifically, to recycle, conserve water, buy environmentally safe products, and limit their driving. Personal environmental threat is a better predictor of overall environmental practices than are demographic variables and political factors. Perceived environmental threat is highest among younger residents, women, liberals, and Democrats. Future directions for research on perceived environmental threat in particular, and environmental concern in general, are discussed.