Environmental Education Research Articles

Risk perceptions of Italian paediatricians for the impact of climate change on children’s health

BackgroundsThis study delves into the risk perceptions of Italian pediatricians concerning climate change's impact on children's health. Given children's heightened vulnerability to climate-related health risks, comprehending these perceptions is crucial. A review of pertinent literature establishes the framework, emphasizing six key factors influencing children's susceptibility to climate-related health hazards.MethodsMethodologically, the study utilized a survey tool developed collaboratively with the Italian Society of Pediatrics (SIP), garnering responses from a representative sample of Italian pediatricians.ResultsFindings indicate a high level of awareness among respondents regarding climate change and its health implications, with a majority attributing it primarily to human activity. Pediatricians recognize various current and anticipated health impacts of climate change, notably concerning illnesses linked to outdoor air quality. Despite acknowledging their role in addressing climate-related health concerns, respondents also cite barriers to engagement, including time constraints and knowledge gaps. However, they express interest in resources like professional training and policy statements to bolster their capacity for effective communication and advocacy.ConclusionsComparisons with prior studies highlight the consistency of findings across diverse contexts and underscore the significance of integrating climate and environmental health education into medical training. Overall, this study sheds light on pediatricians' perspectives in tackling the convergence of climate change and children's health, pinpointing avenues for enhancing their involvement in climate advocacy and mitigation efforts.

Advancing green education in MENA region: Challenges, opportunities and best practices

AbstractThis paper explores Green Education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), addressing shared environmental challenges across its 21 diverse countries. Despite differing economic structures, economies and politics, the need for green education, also known as environmental education (EE) or education for sustainable development (ESD), is evident. MENA encounters obstacles like centralised education structures, governance issues, curriculum gaps, limited funding, environmental awareness and gender disparities. Overcoming these challenges necessitates a comprehensive strategy involving curriculum integration, policy support, collaboration with non‐governmental organisations and international organisations, sufficient funding and effective monitoring. Engaging in global initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Middle East Green Initiative provides opportunities to enhance EE. Adopting a holistic approach empowers the MENA region to address environmental concerns, promote sustainable development and align with global conservation efforts.

DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH-CONSCIOUS BEHAVIOUR IN LOWER PRIMARY ENGLISH LESSONS

Health as a value was already respected in the life of the oldest communities, and they tried to create harmony in their lives. The perception of health, the positive attitudes to wards health are established in childhood. Families and the educational work carried out in public education institutions, occupy a special place in this process. Health education and promotion, as important elements of education for sustainability, prepare students to respect health as a value and be able to contribute to the creation of a sustainable soci ety and economy in an active and constructive way. The purpose of this study is to present the theoretical background and pedagogical practice of health education by examining the Moson-Sopron county, and a survey performed with the headteachers and English teachers of the elementary schools of this county. We assume that these schools have a Health education program, health education is included in the curriculum of all subjects, project work is considered a significant method. Environment and health education can be supported by project work, highlighting sustainability and the importance of environment protection. The novelty of the pilot environmental education project - presented in this paper - is the module focusing on environmental hazards, as this is an extracurricular topic. The pre- and post-survey carried out among the 4th grade learners of a volunteer primary school before and after the project implementation proved that they had some basic knowledge about some areas of sustainability and healthy life but the project could help them to widen and deepen their knowledge and to understand the link between environment and their health.

Data Mining Virtual Contaminated Sites to Develop an Educational Learning Tool supported by a k-NN Machine Learning Predictive Algorithm for use in Environmental Engineering Education

Recent work by Mumford et al. used high-resolution numerical simulations of contaminated sites to evaluate the state of practice for contaminated site investigation1. These simulations were originally developed in collaboration with academic and industry partners, including the U.S. Department of Defense's Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), as a training tool for environmental monitoring and performance optimization. This project focuses on the development of an algorithm to determine available borehole information in those simulations based on user-input, to help leverage this work to create an educational tool. The algorithm begins by validating user-specified coordinates to ensure they fall within an acceptable range. Leveraging principles from linear algebra and a grid-based mapping system, it identifies the nearest existing borehole on a predefined coordinate grid. To optimize efficiency, the algorithm utilizes a 2-D array to store and retrieve coordinate data. It calculates distances from the input coordinates to all available borehole locations on the grid, to identify the shortest distance and select the closest borehole, enabling students to map contamination within virtual sites. In addition to boreholes, the application incorporates data for Membrane Interface Probes (MIPs), monitoring wells, groundwater samples, and soil samples that are used to investigate contaminated sites, providing a comprehensive tool for training environmental professionals. The k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) algorithm predicts Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) Photoionization Detector (ECD) readings at future locations, which indicate chlorinated contaminant levels. Two models were evaluated: one using spatial data and ECD values, and another incorporating electrical conductivity (EC) and hydraulic conductivity (K), which are also measured by MIP. By making use of additional parameters, variations in soil properties were better represented, leading to more accurate predictions. Through iterative testing and refinement, the tool’s accuracy and user-interface have been enhanced, ensuring robust reliability for classroom applications. These tools are slated for integration into 4th-year subsurface contamination courses at Queen's University, Carleton, and the University of Iowa. By automating borehole selection, instructors can interact more with students and dedicate less time to data processing tasks. The k-NN application will enable the use of machine learning for site assessment to optimize MIP instrument placement to reduce bias. Assistance from Cole Van De Ven (Carleton University) and Jessica Meyer (University of Iowa) in collecting virtual contaminated site data is gratefully acknowledged.

Consumo responsable y cadena de valor hacia un modelo sostenible en el desarrollo local del cantón Quevedo

The objective of this study was to analyze responsible consumption and the value chain as foundations for the development of a sustainable model in the Quevedo Canton. The sample size was calculated with Decision Analyst STATSTM 2.0 software. The information was obtained by applying a questionnaire to 123 consumers. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS program (Version 22.0). Consumption, availability of environmentally friendly products and the value chain were addressed. The results revealed a high degree of reliability for the 12 items, according to Cronbach's Alpha method, with a value of 0.80. Responsible consumption mainly allows the reduction of waste, conservation of resources and the choice of sustainable products and services, an educational model used is awareness and environmental education programs through digital means to provide effective solutions in the transition towards eco-friendly products. More sustainable consumption practices were adopted, cooperation between actors in the value chain allows them to promote educational awareness programs and community commitment, implementing environmental regulations in each of the links and executing permits to guarantee the quality in each of the products that are demanded.

Pengaruh Lingkungan Keluarga dan Pendidikan Kewirausahaan Terhadap Minat Berwirausaha Mahasiswa Melalui Self Efficacy Pada Mahaasiswa Jurusan Ilmu Pengetahuan Sosial

This study aims to analyze the effect of Family Environment and Entrepreneurship Education on Entrepreneurial Interest through self-efficacy in Students of Social Science Department. The data were collected through observation and questionnaires and analyzed with a quantitative descriptive approach. The subjects in this study were students majoring in Social Sciences. The population used in this study amounted to 847 respondents, with a sample of 271 respondents. The analytical tool used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS version 3.0 software. The results showed that there is a significant influence directly between the family environment, entrepreneurship education, and self-efficacy on entrepreneurial interest of students majoring in social science FKIP ULM. And there is an indirect influence between the family environment and entrepreneurship education on the entrepreneurial interest of students majoring in social science FKIP ULM through self efficacy as an intervening variable.

Natural Resource Management According To The Quran From The Perspective Of Environmental Issues (Al Misbah Interpretation Study)

This study analyzes the management of natural resources (SDA) according to the Qur'an from the perspective of environmental issues, by referring to Tafsir Al-Misbah by M. Quraish Shihab. Islam views humans as caliphs on earth, who are responsible for maintaining and preserving nature. The principles of justice, balance, and sustainability are the main foundations in the utilization of natural resources. The prohibition against environmental damage and waste of resources is very relevant to modern environmental challenges such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change. This study highlights the importance of wise water management, preservation of flora and fauna, and environmental education as part of the responsibility of mankind. Tafsir Al-Misbah emphasizes that the use of natural resources must be carried out fairly and in balance to ensure the sustainability of nature for future generations. The research method used is a descriptive analytical library study with primary data sourced from the verses of the Qur'an in Tafsir Al-Misbah by M. Quraish Shihab. The research concludes that Islamic teachings on natural resource management, as outlined in Tafsir Al-Misbah, provide strong moral and ethical guidance for addressing current environmental issues. By emphasizing the principles of justice and balance, these teachings support global efforts to achieve environmental sustainability and long-term well-being.

Didactic Units in Biology and Environmental Education: A Review for Latin America

This article reviews the didactic units in biology and environmental education in the context of Latin America, analyzing their design, implementation, and effectiveness in the teaching of environmental and biological topics. Through a literature review and case analysis, the most commonly used teaching strategies are identified and their impact on student learning is evaluated. It highlights best practices and proposes recommendations to improve the quality of biology and environmental education in the region.

Environmental Education at Waste Incineration Facilities in Japan: Educational Activities Continued Even during the COVID-19 Pandemic

This paper discusses the environmental education conducted at waste treatment facilities, which is a significant feature of waste management in Japan. This kind of research has never been done before. In this study, responses were obtained from 82.2% (755/919) of incineration facilities in Japan. According to the survey, 96% of incineration facilities accept visitors. During normal times before the COVID-19 pandemic, they were visited by 8.71 million people annually. Among them, 1.08 million people participated in field trips and lectures to learn about the waste treatment system, with 67% being fourth-grade elementary school students visiting as part of their classes. The practice of elementary school students learning about waste treatment began with the national curriculum guidelines enacted in 1971 and has continued for about half a century. Incineration facilities are equipped to accommodate elementary school students. In 2020, Japan was also hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, even in such circumstances, waste incineration facilities and elementary schools endeavored to continue the field trips for elementary school students. General visitors decreased by 92% from the previous year, but visits as part of elementary school classes only decreased by 77%. The survey results indicate that incineration facilities made efforts to continue the tours for elementary school students by adjusting the timing, implementing infection control measures, and limiting locations. It became clear that many waste management professionals believe that field trips to waste treatment facilities for elementary school students should continue even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Systematic Review of the Impact of Emerging Technologies on Student Learning, Engagement, and Employability in Built Environment Education

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the impact of emerging technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and gamification on student engagement, learning outcomes, and employability in Built Environment (BE) education. This review covers studies conducted between 2013 and 2023, utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework. From an initial pool of 626 studies, 61 were identified and rigorously analyzed. The findings reveal that these technologies significantly enhance student engagement by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Furthermore, their use is shown to improve learning outcomes by facilitating a deeper understanding of complex concepts and increasing student motivation. In terms of employability, the integration of digital tools into BE education equips students with the requisite skills that are increasingly demanded in the modern workplace. However, the study also identifies several challenges, including high costs, limited resources, and the need for extensive faculty training, which act as barriers to the effective implementation of these technologies. Despite these challenges, this review underscores the transformative potential of digital technologies in BE education. This study is significant as it synthesizes recent evidence to highlight the critical role of digital technologies in reshaping BE education. It offers practical recommendations for educators and policymakers to enhance teaching and learning practices. Providing pathways for integrating these technologies into BE curricula, this study aims to inform future research and pedagogical strategies, ultimately contributing to the development of a highly skilled and adaptable workforce.

Ecosystem Services and Public Perception of Green Infrastructure from the Perspective of Urban Parks: A Case Study of Luoyang City, China

As one form of urban green infrastructure, city parks provide essential ecosystem services and serve as a vital link connecting citizens with natural ecosystems. The public, as the primary beneficiaries of urban park ecosystem services, plays a crucial role in guiding the improvement and development trends of urban park planning. Most existing studies assess the comprehensive value of green spaces from a macro scale, with few focusing on the cultural and regulatory ecosystem services of urban parks and public perception of these services at the park level. This study targets 11 typical urban parks in Luoyang City, collecting 771 samples through field mapping and surveys. It analyzes users’ socio-demographic characteristics, perception abilities, usage preferences, and service satisfaction, linking these subjective factors with objective elements of the park environment, such as fitness and recreational facilities. The results indicate that respondents with knowledge of ecosystem services are better able to evaluate and understand services such as air pollution reduction and noise reduction in parks, while those without such knowledge tend to focus more on services that they can intuitively perceive, such as biodiversity conservation and microclimate regulation. Additionally, the middle-income group exhibits a higher level of awareness of park ecosystem services, which depends on their active social participation. The findings of this study suggest that enhancing public understanding of ecosystem services through environmental education is key to improving the quality of urban ecosystems.

The Characteristics of Teacher Training with Social Impact to Overcome School Violence: A Literature Review

Research demonstrates that overcoming school violence is crucial for ensuring a safe environment and quality education for all students. The scientific literature shows that educators can significantly impact school violence, but their effectiveness hinges on the quality of their training. Therefore, identifying the most effective training types is essential. This literature review aims to identify and synthesize the characteristics of teacher-training programs that have effectively reduced school violence. Inclusion criteria were studies focusing on interventions to reduce school violence, with either quantitative or qualitative outcomes. Exclusion criteria were studies not specifically addressing school violence or lacking evaluative measures. Data sources included Web of Science, EBSCO Host, Medline, Scielo, and Scopus, with searches conducted in December 2023. From an initial pool of 2128 articles, 13 studies were included. The results, synthesized through narrative analysis, reveal the key features of teacher-training programs that effectively address school violence, including the nature of the training, the content covered, and the social impact achieved.

Environmental education within the right to education framework

The incorporation of environmental education (EE) into the framework of the right to education that has been established is being more recognized as being of utmost importance in light of the growing environmental issues. The purpose of this study is to address the important need to align environmental education (EE) with present educational demands. This will ensure that environmental awareness and sustainability are intrinsic components of educational curriculum all over the world. The purpose of this study is to investigate the manner in which EE is currently included into the framework of the right to education, with the intention of determining both the areas of strength and those that require development. The research makes use of a mixed-methods methodology, which blends qualitative insights acquired from interviews with educators and policy makers with quantitative data obtained from a survey of educational institutions located in a variety of locales. There are considerable discrepancies between urban and rural contexts in terms of resource allocation, curriculum creation, and teacher training, according to the analysis, which demonstrates that the implementation of EE takes place in a diverse terrain. A significant discovery is that even while EE is technically acknowledged in educational regulations, its actual implementation continues to be inconsistent. This is frequently reliant on the resources available in the local community as well as the dedication of the institution. Following the conclusion of the study, recommendations are provided for educational practitioners and policymakers, with an emphasis placed on the requirement for an approach to EE that is both more structured and accessible to all individuals. These findings provide a contribution to the larger conversation on sustainable education and bring to light the critical need for coordinated strategies that guarantee every kid has access to quality environmental education as part of their fundamental right to get an education.

Sustainability in education: Nurturing tomorrow's future teachers through waste separation and recycling intentions

The importance of intentions in determining human environmental behavior is widely recognized; however, their relationship with education, knowledge, and facilities regarding environmental issues is not well understood, especially among pre-service teachers. This study aimed to explore the link between the factors and pathways influencing of pre-service teachers towards separation and recycling behavior on campus in Indonesia. An online structured questionnaire survey was administered to more than 400 students at seven teacher education institutions in six islands in Indonesia. The hypothesised model's links and pathways are tested and analysed using SmartPLS in structural equation models. Environmental knowledge, perceived behavioural control, and environmental knowledge are the three factors that have the most significant relationships with intention of separation and recycling behavior, with environmental education having the most crucial direct impact. In contrast, attitudes and subjective norms fail to convert intention into behavior and do not have a significant direct influence on intention among pre-service teachers. It underscores the importance of environmental education and knowledge in promoting sustainable practices while emphasizing the role of accessible facilities and subjective norms in shaping recycling intentions. Additionally, the study emphasizes the complexity of attitudes and intentions, suggesting that interventions aimed at promoting recycling should consider a diverse range of factors that influence behaviour.

Pengaruh Pengetahuan Lingkungan terhadap Sikap dan Perilaku Konsumen dalam Memilih Produk Ramah Lingkungan: Studi Kasus Mahasiswa Universitas Negeri Medan

This study aims to uncover the impact of environmental knowledge on consumer attitudes and behaviors in selecting environmentally friendly products, especially among students at Universitas Negeri Medan. A quantitative analysis method was applied by collecting data through online surveys using Google Forms, involving 35 randomly selected respondents from various faculties. The analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, confirming that environmental knowledge significantly influences consumer attitudes and behaviors. These findings emphasize the importance of environmental knowledge in shaping environmentally conscious attitudes and behaviors among consumers, particularly among students. Furthermore, this research identifies consumer attitudes as a mediator in the relationship between environmental knowledge and consumer behavior. Based on these results, it is recommended to develop comprehensive environmental education programs, conduct further research on other influencing factors, collaborate with industries, develop supportive campus policies, and launch environmental awareness campaigns. These steps are expected to enhance awareness and consumer behavior regarding environmentally friendly products among students and provide directions for further research in this field.

Mengatasi Limbah Plastik: Peran Edukasi dan Ecobrick di Desa Penjalin

Plastic waste is one of the largest environmental issues globally, including in Penjalin Village. This study explores the role of environmental education and the use of ecobricks as innovative solutions to tackle plastic waste in rural communities. The research employs qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and participatory observation, to analyze the impact of education on community awareness regarding plastic waste management. The findings indicate that effective education can enhance residents’ understanding and participation in utilizing ecobricks as an alternative waste management approach. Additionally, ecobricks have proven to be a sustainable method, reducing the volume of plastic waste while providing additional benefits such as increased creativity and community self-reliance. Thus, the combination of environmental education and ecobrick implementation can serve as an effective model for addressing plastic waste problems in other villages across Indonesia.

Creation and functioning of the information-rich space of biological and ecological education of the Technopark "Quantorium" in the conditions of integration of interaction between schools and pedagogical University

The publication reflects the solution of the task of creating a Technopark space functioning on the basis of the latest information, communication and IT technologies for the implementation of modern biological and environmental education in the school-university system using the resources of the Quantorium Technopark. The authors of the study discuss the importance of integrating modern technologies and resources into the educational process in order to increase the effectiveness of learning and the practical applicability of knowledge in this field. The purpose of the article is to describe the concept of an information–rich technological space of biological and environmental education and the principles of its implementation on the basis of the Technopark “Quantorium”. The research methodology is based on the principles of developing training courses and educational and methodological support for them, involving the preparation of educational programs designed to implement innovative methods and the latest technologies in the field of biology, bioengineering, biotechnology and ecology; the use of laboratory and practical work, as well as large-scale application of biological and environmental experiments based on the use of technical resources of the Technopark. The results of the study. The paper analyzes in detail the main components of the technological information-rich space, including information systems, equipment and software used to develop training courses and laboratory work on environmental and biological topics. The role of the Technopark “Quantorium” as a center for innovation and support of educational projects, contributing to the introduction of modern educational technologies, is also considered. In their article, the researchers present the concept of an innovative information-rich space for the practical implementation of biological and environmental education. It is based on the multidisciplinary integrated application of all the resources of the Technopark “Quantorium”. The implementation of this concept will create an effective and innovative information and educational environment for school students and pedagogical university students, contributing to the development of environmental awareness and the training of qualified specialists in the field of ecology and biology.

Enhancing Environmental Education to Promote Pre- Emptive Smog Mitigation Strategies in Urban Areas of South Punjab: An Overview

This review evaluates the causes, effects, and mitigation measures regarding the smog problem in the South Punjab of Pakistan. Air pollution comprises major pollutants, including smog resulting from emissions by industries, automobiles, and crop residue burning, which leads to several public health emergencies, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Though governmental initiatives have been made to reduce smog through policy mechanisms, there has not been much improvement due to weak implementation and several socio-economic factors in the region. According to this paper’s viewpoint, stringent environmental laws and effective implementation measures are critical to combating the increasing pollution challenge. In addition, environmental education in awareness and behavioural change concerning long-term smog control is also discussed. From cross-national cases, including Beijing and northern India, the review also provides details of strategies that may be implemented in South Punjab. Some of the recommendations are to improve policy and compliance, offer farmers subsidies, introduce environmental components into schools and other learning institutions, and increase public awareness campaigns. Therefore, it becomes reasonable to state that only a combined regional and countrywide approach can help improve the air quality in the South Punjab region through a more intensive focus on economic development and environmental measures, for which steps have been identified in the following paragraphs.

FORMATION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND PROJECT ACTIVITIES AMONG STUDENTS OF GRADES 6 IN GEOGRAPHY LESSONS

This article is devoted to the consideration of the topic of project activities in the implementation of the regional component in environmental education in geography lessons. An analysis of scientific literature on this topic is given. The interpretations of the concepts of various scientists involved in the issues of pedagogical local history and local history competence of students are given. This article covers the process of arousing students' interest in research work and conducting the process of students' engagement in the project in local history classes. The process of students' research work was fully covered, and their results were observed.The author emphasizes that the use of the local history component in the educational process is of great importance, especially in the project activities of students. In the process of mastering local history knowledge, students develop interest in cognitive activity, creative abilities, a desire to make their work useful to people, form an active life position, and awaken initiative and ingenuity. By engaging in local history activities, students become the first researchers of their immediate environment.

Eco-literacy in the digital age: Comparing student comprehension with AI capabilities

The role of AI in eco-literacy education is crucial in today's technological era. Students increasingly engage with digital texts, such as fiction, enhancing their understanding of eco-literacy. This study compares the eco-literacy skills of university students and AI to evaluate their effectiveness in environmental education. Participants included 199 students from Makassar State University and Timor University in Indonesia and ten web-based AI chatbots running various large language models. Instruments included a 20-item multiple-choice test for input eco-literacy and a short story synopsis task, "Pohon Larangan di Bengayoan" (Prohibited Tree in Bengayoan) for output eco-literacy, distributed via Google Forms. The study applied independent sample t-test analysis and Yuen's test for robustness using Jamovi 2.4.8.0 software. Results showed no significant gender differences in students' eco-literacy but significant differences between universities, with Makassar State University students performing better. AI outperformed students, highlighting AI's potential in eco-literacy education and the need for curriculum enhancement in universities. Future research should involve broader samples and comprehensive assessment methods.