Abstract
Encouraging the adoption of a pro-environmental behavior is critical in order to reduce the environmental impacts and to ove toward a more sustainable future. Higher education plays an important role in training professionals who have an important role in protecting the environment in the future. The aim of this study is to identify whether there are significant differences between college students depending on their diploma of specialization, related to the environment or not, the year in which they are studying and gender. The sample consisted of 383 engineering students in first, third and sixth year, with two instruments designed to measure environmental attitudes and behaviors. Significant differences were found between students pursuing diplomas related to the environment and those who are not. Otherwise, no significant differences were observed between students enrolled in different levels. Perceived effort, positive environmental attitude or perceived positive consequents predict the frequency of pro-environmental behaviors in students, the former (perceived effort, negative) being the most influential variable.
Highlights
Encouraging the adoption of a pro-environmental behavior is critical in order to reduce the environmental impacts and to move toward a more sustainable future
The aim of this study is to identify whether there are significant differences between college students depending on their diploma of specialization, related to the environment or not, the year in which they are studying and gender
This research suggests that university undergraduate engineering students on average have positive environmental attitudes, as has been shown in other studies with third level students (Aydin & Çepni, 2010; Cerda et al, 2007; Müderrisoğlu & Altanlar, 2011)
Summary
Encouraging the adoption of a pro-environmental behavior is critical in order to reduce the environmental impacts and to move toward a more sustainable future. UNESCO calls for “protecting the planet in order to pass on a sustainable heritage to future generations” (2005, p.2) and mentions many ways to help achieve sustainable development, such as research, technology, financing, production and sustainable consumption Amongst these possibilities, education plays a fundamental role, since the concept of education is based implicitly in the idea that systems of beliefs people have about the environment are the roots of the environmental problems (Moyano, Cornejo & Gallardo, 2011). Environmental education is essential if we want to develop a positive attitude towards the environment and pro-environmental behaviors In this context, Higher Education plays a fundamental role as it aims to educate and train professionals who can play an active role in protecting the environment (UNESCO, 2009). These are professionals who will develop their skills in the future, guiding and working to influence various institutions
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