A study appearing in the journal Ecological Economics reveals that a majority of respondents from 92 countries across the world would prefer environmental protection over economic development in case of any conflicts between the two issues. The researchers observed that 58% of respondents chose environmental protection, while fewer respondents felt that economic development must be preferred over environmental protection.

The research has been based on an analysis of data from two international surveys, including all continents occupied by humans. According to the researchers, the findings reveal that public opinion does not necessarily coincide with the government's focus on economic development during discussion.

According to the lead author of the study, Jukka Kilgus, the findings show a contrast between the priorities of politics and public preference.

"Discourse about politics tends to revolve around the idea of economic growth, but it is actually not what people prioritize in their lives. On the contrary, they are more interested in ecological and social well-being," Kilgus stated.

Environmental protection support was variable depending on the region. Greater support was reported in Western Europe, Southeast Asia, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand, while lesser support was seen in some parts of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Scholars suggested that such regional variations could be determined by the economic situation in countries, since countries with low average income experience additional pressure to ensure better employment and living standards due to economic growth.

Additionally, the survey explored the impact of demographic features on answers. In some Western countries, environmental protection support was more prevalent among young people, women, well-educated citizens, and liberals.

At the same time, these findings were not universal. In some non-Western countries, scholars observed environmental protection support among older citizens, men, the poor population, and conservatives. The authors argued that the findings proved that public opinion depended on the national and regional situation rather than a single trend worldwide.

The authors pointed out that the results cannot be seen as an endorsement of any specific economic approach, either degrowth or post-growth. Rather, they reflect the perceptions of the respondents concerning their perception of the dilemma between protecting the environment and growing economically.

According to the authors, the current study sheds light on the views on environmental priorities among those countries that are usually overlooked in the international literature. Furthermore, such knowledge might prove useful in discussing the future policies concerning the issues of climate change, biodiversity, and development, where economic and environmental considerations have to be balanced.