Abstract Public engagement is critical for mitigating environmental threats such as microplastic pollution, yet societal responses are often uneven and socially stratified. This study used a cross-sectional, population-based telephone survey to investigate the demographic determinants of public engagement with microplastic pollution in Taiwan, revealing a significant social divide in microplastic-related environmental knowledge, awareness of microplastic pollution and support for mitigation, and behaviors (KAB). Drawing on a nationwide telephone survey of 1, 069 adults and using logistic regression, our findings map the key dimensions of this divide. Notably, a sharp knowledge-action gap emerged among younger adults (18–29), who exhibited lower odds of higher awareness of microplastic pollution and support for mitigation odds ratio (OR) = 0. 29, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0. 17–0. 51 and microplastic-reducing behaviors (OR = 0. 37, 95% CI, 0. 22–0. 64). Socioeconomic status was a powerful predictor; higher education was linked to greater engagement across all KAB domains, while higher incomes (≥NT110 000) correlated with higher awareness and stronger support for mitigation (OR = 1. 85, 95% CI, 1. 08–3. 18) and behaviors (OR = 1. 82, 95% CI, 1. 06–3. 11). Furthermore, a persistent gender gap was evident, with men showing lower odds of higher awareness of microplastic pollution and support for mitigation (OR = 0. 72, 95% CI, 0. 56–0. 93) and behaviors (OR = 0. 55, 95% CI, 0. 42–0. 70) than women. These deep-seated demographic gaps challenge the efficacy of one-size-fits-all environmental governance. By identifying the specific populations that are less engaged, this study provides a crucial evidence base for designing the equitable and targeted policy interventions needed to address the escalating threat of microplastic pollution.
Chuang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.