The Covid-SDG-behaviour change nexus : understanding sustainability-related behaviours and value shifts in Hong Kong during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Covid-19 has triggered significant lifestyle changes among people in Hong Kong, altering the city’s sustainable development trajectory. Using a mixed-method approach including qualitative and quantitative methods, this thesis identifies the relationship between the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and behaviour changes in Hong Kong during the Covid-19 pandemic. The study identified four SDGs that are particularly relevant to Hong Kong: SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 1 (No Poverty), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). These SDGs reflect the impacts of Covid-19 on human health, the economy, and vulnerable communities in Hong Kong.

From a survey of 4,586 respondents in Hong Kong, the study found behaviour and value shifts within five sustainability domains – health, consumption, social and environmental engagement, quality of life, and institutions & organisations – before and during the pandemic. The sign test performed on the survey data showed significant changes in behaviours related to health and mobility, such as masking, handwashing, going out in public, online shopping, and taking planes.

Interviews with 37 study participants revealed that increased health consciousness primarily drove people’s health and consumption behaviours during the pandemic. Social and environmental engagement decreased due to social distancing restrictions, while sustainability knowledge and environmental consciousness among participants increased. Participants also expressed their concerns over the enforcement of pandemic-era policies and their perceived performance of Hong Kong’s public and private sectors during the pandemic.

Overall, the study provides insights into the relationship between behaviour changes and sustainable development in Hong Kong during the pandemic. The results suggest that the pandemic has significantly impacted health, the economy, and vulnerable communities in Hong Kong, highlighting the importance of SDGs 1, 3, 8, and 10. The study also identifies areas of behaviour change that policy may leverage to enable sustainable pandemic recovery in Hong Kong.

Date of Award	2023
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Supervisor	Laurence Delina (Supervisor) & Benjamin STEUER (Supervisor)