Environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes: Wedinoon, Morocco

There is a major omission in the considerable literature on environmental p roblems, and the threat these problems present in the South. tittle is know n about how the population in the South perceive these threats. Similarly, we have little understanding of people's attitudes towards environmental pr oblems. This paper draws on studies carried out in 1993 and 1996. It draws on empirical material taken from a sample of households in the city of Goul imine, located in the pre-Saharan region of Anti-Atlas Mountains. The aim i s to identify inhabitants' attitudes to environmental problems and the exte nt to which these attitudes and opinions correlate with actual household en ergy consumption. The results show a high level of concern about environmen tal issues, particularly among migrant groups. But closer analysis reveals an inconsistency between environmental concern and actual consumption of ho usehold energy. This is explained by the fact that certain energy sources h ave been, and still are, crucial in people's lifestyles and, thus, difficul t to change. The paper concludes by suggesting that central, regional, and local authorities have both a responsibility and an opportunity to assist i n environmental management. Moreover, it is suggested that environmental ac tions should become proactive, rather than reactive or responsive.