A recent study published in the journal 'Ecological Economics' analyzed responses from over 155,000 individuals across 92 countries, revealing that 57.99% favor environmental protection over economic growth, even at the cost of some job losses. Participants were asked to choose between prioritizing environmental protection, despite potential economic drawbacks, and prioritizing economic growth and job creation, with a larger proportion opting for the former. This finding underscores a significant trend where the values of economic growth and environmental care are often at odds, yet many individuals lean towards putting the environment first.

The researchers note that while many prior studies indicated a preference for environmental concerns over economic growth, they primarily focused on wealthier nations. By including a broad array of countries from different economic backgrounds, this study provides a more comprehensive understanding of global attitudes towards economic and environmental values. The results show that people across many regions—including Western and Northern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Americas, and Oceania—are more inclined to prioritize environmental protection, whereas countries in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East show lower support levels for environmental priorities.

The study highlights key demographic factors influencing attitudes towards environmental protection. Generally, women, younger individuals, those with higher education levels, politically left-leaning individuals, and residents of higher-income nations express stronger support for environmental protection. This suggests that as nations develop and education levels rise, the public is increasingly recognizing the long-term significance of environmental issues over immediate economic benefits. These findings could inform policy discussions as governments navigate the complex relationship between economic growth and sustainability.