Nexus of exposure to environmental Degradation with happiness, Environmental concern and behavior: a Cross-sectional study in Islamabad Capital territory Pakistan

Abstract

Environmental degradation on a rapid scale is increasingly contributing to various issues for life on the planet. It is culminating in air and water pollution, deforestation, extreme temperatures, climate events and water scarcity all over the world. Research suggests that high exposure to environmental degradation can lead to low levels of well-being or happiness in the people. Current trends in environmental degradation for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), Pakistan, show that these problems are present and are intensifying with the passage of time. Past research has also shown that high levels of environmental degradation increase concern for the environment and encourage Pro-Environmental Behaviour (PEB). Although environmental degradation has been studied extensively in Pakistan, it has not been studied in relation to its impact on happiness, concern and PEB. The present study aimed to test this theory on citizens of Islamabad to understand if exposure to environmental degradation is correlated with concern for the environment and high levels of PEB for them. It further sought to analyze whether environmental degradation is contributing to low levels of happiness in the citizens. This study employed primary research, administering questionnaires to the sample of 385 individuals from the target population of Islamabad. The sample was selected using purposive and convenience sampling whereby the city of Islamabad was first selected, and questionnaires were administered to people above 18 years of age. The results revealed that 94% of the sample believed their happiness was impacted by environmental degradation. In addition, happiness, environmental concern and PEB were statistically significant in relation to environmental degradation, with happiness being negatively associated and PEB and concern being positively associated with environmental degradation. Considering these results, it is proposed that the citizens of Islamabad who face high levels of environmental degradation display high levels of concern for the environment and behave consciously. Given the existence of this relationship, they may be more receptive towards policy intervention.