The impact of public environmental concern on environmental pollution: The moderating effect of government environmental regulation

Nengyu Liu, Yue Liu and Xiaofei Yu

PLOS ONE, 2023, vol. 18, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: As environmental problems continue to intensify, public environmental awareness and participation have become key forces in a modernized environmental governance system. Recognizing the importance of public participation in environmental governance, this study explores the influence of public pressure on environmental pollution and its implications for China’s long-term environmental management efforts. Using statistical and internet search data from 284 prefecture-level cities between 2011 and 2020, the study finds that a 1% increase in public environmental concern leads to a 0.009% reduction in pollution. The study also highlights the strengthening effect of government environmental regulation on the impact of public environmental concern. Moreover, regional heterogeneity analysis reveals a stronger effect of public environmental concern in cities facing low economic pressure. The findings of the study provide a reference for the construction of a coordinated and sustainable environmental governance model in China as well as in developing countries.

Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0290255

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290255

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