Is there a relationship between environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behaviour The case of a Greek island

Abstract

The present study assesses environmental knowledge (EK) and pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) levels and investigates whether EK influences eventual PEB. At the same time, the paper examines how the aforementioned variables are influenced by demographics. For this reason, a case-study through quantitative research was conducted, through the use of questionnaires completed by a sample of 253 adults, permanent residents of Lesvos Island in Greece. Findings showed that the level of adults' EK was moderate, while the PEB level ranged from moderate to slightly positive. Apart from gender, all examined demographics seemed to influence EK and PEB levels; whereas PEB was found to be, to a limited extent, positively dependent on EK. The survey constitutes a pilot study which can constitute a valuable model-tool at an international level for future researchers as well as for environmental education practitioners who wish to introduce effective environmental training programs at all levels of formal education.