Perceptions and determinants of environmental concern: the case of Hong Kong and its implications for sustainable development

Abstract Environmental concern is a precursor to behavioural change. This article draws upon data from two surveys conducted in 2000 and 2008 to examine the development of environmental concern in Hong Kong and its major determinants. It finds that Hong Kong people have consistently shown a high level of environmental concern in terms of both their perception of the seriousness of environmental problems and their assessment of how these problems will develop in the future. In line with previous findings, our study confirms that environmental concern is affected by a combination of positional, individual and institutional factors, including gender, education, pro‐environmental beliefs, especially concern for environmental damage, and the government's performance in environmental protection. Among these factors, government performance is shown to be of crucial importance. Implications for sustainable development are highlighted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.