Values and their effect on pro-environmental behavior

Environmental protection may be described as a social dilemma. That is, collectively, we are better off if the environment is protected, but rational self-interest often dictates environmental exploitation. The role of personal values in influencing pro-environmental behavior is gaining increasing attention relative to other solutions, such as monetary incentives and punitive sanctions. Using Schwartz's measure of values, I examine the influence of values on environmental behavior. Based on schwartz's theory, values found to have a positive influence on environmental behavior are self-transcendent/openness to change and universalism/biospheric. Values found to have a negative influence include self-enhancement/conservation.