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ABSTRACT:
The literature on volunteering has strongly increased over the last few years. However, there is still a lack of substantial empirical evidence on the determinants of environmental participation. This empirical study analyses a cross-section of individuals using micro-data from the World Values Survey wave III (1995-1997), which covers 38 countries, to investigate this question. The results suggest that individuals’ active participation in environmental organizations is influenced not only by socio-demographic and socio-economic factors, but also by political attitudes. Furthermore, we observe regional differences. Interestingly, environmental participation seems to be a more important channel for action in developing countries, where weak and dysfunctional states make people pursue their goals through non-governmental sector activities. We also find that a higher level of perceived corruption promotes participation in environmental organizations, which shows that individuals take action when they feel that the government is corrupt.

SUGGESTED CITATION:
Benno Torgler and Maria A. García-Valiñas, "Participation in Environmental Organizations: An Empirical Analysis" (May 1, 2006). Berkeley Program in Law & Economics, Working Paper Series. Paper 191.
http://repositories.cdlib.org/blewp/art191