Authors

• International Social Survey Programme (ISSP)
• Blom, Raimo (University of Tampere. Department of Social Research)
• Melin, Harri (University of Tampere. Department of Social Research)
• Tanskanen, Eero (Statistics Finland. Interview and Survey Services)

Keywords

energy policy, environment, environment policy, environmental changes, environmental conservation, environmental management, interpersonal trust, pollution, recycling, science

Abstract

The survey charted Finnish views on nature and the environment, environmental problems, pollution, environmental conservation, what people would be willing to do for the environment and what were important issues for society in general.

The respondents were asked what issues they considered important in Finland (e.g. health care, education, the economy, the environment) and what were the most important things the country should do (maintain order, give people more say in government decisions, fight rising prices, protect freedom of speech). They were also asked to what extent they agreed with statements relating to how to solve income inequality and Finland's economic problems. Interpersonal trust and trust in government and politicians were also surveyed.

Next questions focused on the environment. Views were probed on the most important environmental problems in Finland, the causes of and solutions to such problems, and the role of science and scientific solutions. Some questions pertained to the correlation between economic growth or population growth and the environment. Willingness to protect the environment through higher prices, higher taxes or cuts in the standard of living was surveyed. A number of statements charted the respondents' attitudes to environmental protection. Opinions were also probed on how dangerous for the environment certain things (e.g. air pollution, pesticides and chemicals in farming, water pollution, climate change, modifying the genes of crops) were, who should decide how to protect the environment, what were best ways to protect it, and what energy sources should be prioritised. The respondents were asked what measures they were taking to protect the environment. The measures mentioned included recycling, buying fruit or vegetables grown without pesticides or chemicals, cutting back on driving, saving or re-using water etc. Finally, the respondents were presented with two statements relating to the causes of climate change.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, years of full-time education, type of employer, legal marital/partnership status, trade union membership, religious affiliation, religious attendance, self-perceived social group, party affiliation, voting, household composition, R's and household income, and R's and spouse's/partner's employment relationship, working hours, occupational status, occupation and economic activity.