Addressing resource scarcity and fostering sustainability through environmental education in Asia

Abstract

This study, covering the period from 2000 to 2020, explores the association between sustainable education and resource efficiency in 33 Asian countries. The results reveal that a 1% increase in the UNDP Education Index is associated with a 0.23% improvement in fossil fuel efficiency, underscoring the crucial role of education in fostering environmental awareness and responsible resource utilization. Furthermore, a positive correlation is identified between a 1% increase in green power generation and a 0.47% enhancement in fossil fuel efficiency, underscoring the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources. Conversely, a 1% increase in waste generation and ICT development is linked to a decline in fossil fuel efficiency by approximately 0.61% and 0.16%, respectively. The policy implications advocate for prioritizing education and awareness initiatives, aligning educational curricula with sustainability principles, and incentivizing the adoption of renewable energy, all while addressing challenges related to waste management and ICT development with care.