Understanding pro-environmental behavior: A comparative analysis of rural and urban communities for environmental education and conservation

Background: Environmental degradation and climate change have become global concerns, driven by human activities such as the exploitation of natural resources. However, humans also play a crucial role in mitigating environmental damage through pro-environmental behavior. This behavior involves actions aimed at minimizing negative environmental impacts, which contribute to improving environmental quality. An individual’s affective connection with their social group and place of residence influences their pro-environmental behavior. The study compares pro-environmental behavior in urban and rural communities, focusing on the differences in driving factors across these settings. Methods: A literature review method was employed to gather data from 13 accredited articles discussing pro-environmental behavior in urban and rural communities across Asia, Europe, and America. The literature was sourced from scientific databases, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the existing research on the topic. Findings: Both urban and rural communities engage in pro-environmental behaviors, but the factors driving these behaviors differ. Rural communities tend to have stronger social bonds and a closer connection to the natural environment, which influences their pro-environmental actions. Urban communities, on the other hand, have greater knowledge of environmental issues but often show skepticism regarding others' ability to protect the environment. Differences in pro-environmental behavior are influenced by sociodemographic, cultural, and geographical conditions. Conclusion: Pro-environmental behavior varies between rural and urban communities due to different social, cultural, and geographical factors. Understanding these differences can help develop targeted strategies to encourage environmentally conscious actions in both settings. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study provides a comparative analysis of pro-environmental behavior in rural and urban communities across diverse regions, highlighting how sociodemographic, cultural, and geographical conditions influence environmental actions. This perspective has been less extensively addressed in previous research.