Internet use encourages pro-environmental behavior: Evidence from China

Sustainable economic development relies on policies that encourage pro-environmental behavior. Using data from the Chinese General Social Survey, this study investigates the impact of Internet use on individual-level pro-environmental behavior, and finds a significant positive correlation. The finding is robust against alternative statistical methods, e.g., running quantile regressions or utilizing instrumental variable method. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that Internet use has a greater impact on pro-environmental behavior for women, educated residents and urban dwellers. Internet use during working hours and using the Internet in spare time for learning activities are more conducive to improving individuals’ pro-environment behavior. This paper underscores the combination of traditional factors and information technology factors to predict pro-environmental behavior in digital era. The findings in this study are suggestive of an environmental policy of encouraging pro-environmental behavior through expanding Internet access. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd