Nature’s Influence: Investigating the Relationship between Nature Exposure and Pro-Environmental Behaviors in Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Despite significant technological advancements aimed at fostering a healthier environment, curbing consumer consumption of non-renewable resources, and minimizing overall ecological impact, a substantial portion of the population has yet to adopt sustainable practices. Human behaviors continue to threaten environmental sustainability, where choices of individuals have a dramatic bearing on the environmental conduct. Drawing on Nature Exposure Framework for Pro-Environmental Behavior, this study investigated the relationship between Nature Exposure (NE) (measured through weekly visits to urban green spaces (UGS)) and pro environmental behaviors (PEB) among residents of Pakistan. By employing quantitative research approach, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in Islamabad City. The data were collected from a representative sample of 297 nature visitors (NV) and non-visitors (non-NV), employing a self-administered questionnaire. This study utilizes the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis H tests to determine differences among two and more independent groups. Results revealed statistically significant differences among the sociodemographic characteristic groups and NV and non-NV in terms of their PEB – hence, the null hypothesis stands rejected. Differences between genders in terms of their PEB were statistically significant, and women displayed higher PEB than men; age groups revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship with increasing age; differences among income groups in terms of their PEB were statistically significant in 3 out of 4 categories with PEB decreasing with increasing income levels; education showed a statistically significant and negative link with PEB; and lastly, NE had a statistically significant and positive relationship with PEB. It can be concluded that NE should be encouraged in order to promote PEB and address dangerous environmental problems such as global warming, pollution, and climate change.