Does public satisfaction with government environmental performance promote their participation in environmental protection?

Abstract

Effective public participation is a key element of sustainable environmental governance. Despite high levels of concern about pollution among Chinese citizens, their actual participation in governance activities remains suboptimal. Local governments, as socio-economic planning policy makers, may significantly shape individuals’ behavior, yet this influence has not been fully explored. This study investigates how public satisfaction with government environmental performance affects their willingness and actual participation in environmental protection efforts, drawing on the latest data from the Chinese Social Survey. The results show that individuals who express higher satisfaction with government environmental performance are more likely to exhibit greater willingness and active involvement in voluntary environmental initiatives. Mechanism analysis reveals that greater public recognition enhances environmental awareness and government credibility. This research provides critical insights for public sector decision-making, emphasizing that improving government performance in environmental governance can foster sustainable public engagement.