Between Prosperity and Planet: Assessing Religious Impacts on Economic and Environmental Preferences in 64 Countries

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between religious beliefs and environmental concerns, with an emphasis on perceptions of preservation in response to worsening ecological problems during the 21st century. The major goal of this study is to estimate the effect of religious beliefs on the relative importance that individuals assign to environmental protection over economic growth and the sociodemographic features capable of mediating this relation. In this study, the World Values Survey data from 64 countries are used, and logistic regression models are applied to understand how different religious affiliations Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and Hinduism affect environmental attitudes. The most significant results suggest that religiosity impacts environmental attitudes, depending on the religious denomination. Adherents of Christianity and Islam display show significantly environmental preferences compared to those of Buddhism and Hinduism. The study also indicates the effects of demographic elements such as age, sex, education, and income level on individuals' opinions. Religious beliefs either enable or constrain environmental participation, implying that environmental policymakers should consider religious contexts. The study suggests that religious values might not need to be seen as incompatible with environmental sustainability and provides lessons for crafting environmental policies that speak to cultural motivations. It will enhance the discussion between ecology and religion as they look for long-term answers to the ecological issues facing our planet