ISSP 2020: Environment IV, Lithuania, November 2022

The purpose of the study: to analyse Lithuanian residents opinion about environmental problems and its effect to society.
Major investigated questions: first, the goal was to identify the current most important socio-economic issue that Lithuania is facing, and which issue comes in second. A block of statements to choose from (Private enterprise is the best method to solve Lithuania’s economic difficulties; The government should reduce income disparities between people with high and low incomes; 5 in total) was used to elicit responses on a range of topics. A list of various socio-political issues was provided to find out which issue, according to the respondent, Lithuania should prioritize the most. Respondents were asked whether they feel like they can trust most people or do they feel that they should be extremely cautious when interacting with others. The trust in institutions among respondents was researched (Media; Universities and other research centres; 4 in total). Next, respondents in Lithuania were asked to indicate the extent to which they care about environmental issues. After providing a list of some of the environmental problems, the respondents were asked to indicate which of these problems is the most important for Lithuania as a country. The question asked about the perception of the world's climate and the idea that it has been changing in recent decades. Those who answered that the world's climate is changing were asked to assess how bad or good the effects of climate change will be for the world as a whole and for Lithuania. Next, all respondents were asked to rate a block of statements (Modern science will solve our environmental problems with little change in our way of life; 6 in total). The Lithuanian population was asked three questions on whether they would be willing to pay much higher prices, higher taxes, and accept a lower standard of living if it helped protect the environment. They were also asked whether they would be willing to accept a reduction in the size of Lithuania's protected areas to open them up for economic development. Again, a block of statements explored respondents' views on a range of environmental issues (It is too difficult for people like me to do much for the environment; 7 in total). Respondents rated the environmental hazard of various things they had been told (air pollution from cars; air pollution from industry; 7 in total). The question asked which ways would most encourage business and industry and people in Lithuania to protect the environment. The question asked respondents to indicate their level of enjoyment in being outdoors in general and how often, if at all, they engaged in any leisure activities in nature over the past 12 months. For example, activities such as hiking, bird watching, swimming, skiing, or any other outdoor activities were inquired about. The survey aimed to gather information on various aspects related to respondents' transportation habits, dietary preferences, household characteristics, environmental practices, and civic engagement regarding environmental issues. Specifically, it inquired about the number of airplane trips taken over the past 12 months, the average number of hours spent in a typical week in a motorized vehicle (excluding public transport), the frequency of consuming beef, lamb, or products containing them, and the number of rooms in respondents' homes (apartments or houses). Additionally, questions were posed regarding the frequency of sorting glass, cans, plastic, newspapers, or similar items for recycling, and whether respondents often avoided buying certain products due to environmental reasons. They were asked if they were members of any group primarily focused on environmental protection or conservation. The survey also aimed to assess the civic engagement of Lithuanian residents regarding environmental issues over the past five years, including whether they signed a petition concerning environmental problems (3 in total). Lastly, respondents were asked to evaluate how various factors, such as air pollution, affected their residential area over the past 12 months, if at all (3 in total).
Socio-demographic characteristics: gender, age, level of education, membership in organizations, religion, marital status, nationality, political views, political participation, size of household, respondent's average personal income, place of residence, working situation of the respondent and of his/her spouse or partner.