Do countries with similar environmental impact share values? An integrated analysis to inform environmental education

Abstract

Understanding which values associate with sustainable outcomes is essential for rethinking environmental education (EE). This study investigates whether countries with high human development but low environmental impact share distinctive value patterns that could inform EE frameworks. Using an integrative approach, we combined data from two sustainability databases –the Global Footprint Network and the Sustainable Development Index– with the European Values Study/World Values Survey (2017–2022). A total of 591 categorical variables were analysed using Cramér's V to identify significant differences between low, medium, and high environmental impact country groups, selected among countries with high and very high human development.

Results show that religiosity, spirituality, and intergenerational household structures associate with lower environmental impact, while secular-rational and individualistic orientations align with higher impact. Non-denominational spirituality also emerges as significant across contexts, suggesting that spiritual and relational worldviews may be overlooked resources for sustainability policy and education. By contrast, pro-environmental attitudes and indicators of subjective well-being, such as happiness, freedom, and health, do not consistently differentiate between impact groups. Additional factors such as insularity and average national temperature further relate to sustainability outcomes, highlighting the interplay of cultural and structural dimensions.

These findings suggest that current EE frameworks may be too narrowly focused on cognitive and attitudinal factors. To be effective, EE must incorporate spiritual, moral, and communal dimensions, engaging with the plurality of worldviews that guide human–environment relations. More nuanced sustainability indicators, sensitive to cultural and contextual diversity, are needed to better understand and foster comprehensive pathways towards sustainability.