Relationships between economic development and resident environmental behavior and participation in areas with different economic and similar natural and cultural conditions

Abstract Economic development level (EDL) cannot completely explain environmental behavior and participation (EBP) patterns as many other factors affect performances, the conflict of ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy Needs model’ or ‘Affluence hypothesis’ ‘Challenge-response Model’ hypothesis has been continuously discussed. In present study, a standardized two-dimensional array (STDA) model is employed to deliberate on EDL-EBP relationship in different sub-groups with highest ($21389.08) lowest ($5216.41) average capita GDPs Guangdong Province, China. This first attempt investigate relationships between regional EDL represented by GDP public behaviors actual resident’s resource consumption, pollution emission areas similar natural cultural condition, an Environmental Effort Indicator (EEI) established based STDA model. The results show that (1) applicable distinguishing EBPs 20 prefecture-level cities (PLCs) Province rather EDLs; (2) not liner pattern behavior- region-specific; (3) plays important role most decisive EEI; (4) V-shaped EDL-EEI can be explained each EKC formation good habits would long-term process education key way accelerate maintain sustainable developments nature human society.