Public Perceptions of Carbon Neutrality Policies and Determinants of Collective Action: An Empirical Analysis of South Korean Society

How do South Korean citizens perceive the fairness of carbon neutrality policies, and what concerns do they express in this process? What factors influence citizens’ participation in protest-oriented collective action related to carbon neutrality? This study addresses these questions by analyzing public perceptions and patterns of collective action concerning carbon neutrality in South Korea. Drawing on a nationwide survey and regression analysis, we examine the determinants of citizens’ participation. The results show that perceptions of policy fairness did not have a statistically significant effect on collective action. By contrast, higher levels of climate change awareness and recognition of carbon neutrality goals significantly increased the likelihood of participation. In particular, manual and service workers exhibited a relatively higher propensity to participate in protest actions, while women, citizens with progressive political orientations, and those with higher levels of education were also more likely to engage actively. These findings suggest that the effective implementation of carbon neutrality requires not only technological solutions but also the establishment of inclusive governance that incorporates citizens’ diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and policy perceptions. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of developing participatory communication and institutional arrangements for a just transition, which are crucial to mitigating climate-related conflicts.