English Abstract The Dutch government declared sustainable development
as the cornerstone of its environmental policy. This strategic policy shift
presupposes a concerned citizenry willing to accept the way this might
affect private lifestyles. The Dutch GOES MASS PUBLIC MODULE - part of a
large-scale international study on citizens' environmental perceptions,
values, and behaviors - shows the Dutch are concerned about environmental
problems. Though they are most worried about classic environmental problems
(e.g. air pollution), they realize that more long-term issues (e.g. global
warming) are pressing too. They define themselves as being well-informed,
feel the individual can make a difference, display a high self-efficacy, and
prioritize ecological concerns over economic gains. They, however, do not
accept policies that limit personal choice. The Dutch favor soft policies,
voluntary lifestyle change, and softer ways of taking action (e.g.
checkbook participation). Water and energy conservation no longer seem on
the household agenda. Explaining policy preferences, protective action, and
individual environmentally-friendly behavior shows environmental attitudes
hardly make a difference. Basic values (e.g. postmaterialism), supporting
the environment over economic growth and a higher education do have an
impact as regards protective action. This is less so for policy preferences
or environmentally-friendly behavior. The Dutch GOES MASS PUBLIC MODULE
points at the imperative necessity to bridge the grand environmental
narratives of policy makers, particularly when they frame ecological
problems as global, abstract, and long-term issues, and the here-and-now
narratives of the well-informed and concerned citizens in their role of
responsible consumers.
