Youth and the environment: is knowledge about the problems enough for environmental awareness?

Abstract

Today, our generation is challenged by the need to immediately solve many environmental problems, most of which call into question the possibility of continuing human existence. It is ecology that is supposed to form a new worldview of modern humanity, which significantly changes its social functions. To succeed, it is necessary to increase the percentage of people in society with environmental knowledge, which will lead to environmental awareness and further increase the possibility of the appearance of a type of behaviour aimed at preserving the environment. The main goal of the study was to identify the availability of environmental knowledge and environmental awareness among students of different ages who have chosen three different areas of study and to identify ways to improve them. The study was conducted using an open design, by way of a prospective cohort questionnaire based on the free online service «Google forms» among students of technical, medical and humanities profiles. Statistical data processing was performed using the Statistica 6.0 software package. The results showed that students in Dnipro, regardless of age, gender and chosen speciality, have the same level of knowledge about the environmental situation in the region and the same interpretation of the concept of social ecology, and the overall majority are unsatisfied with the environmental situation in the region. Real environmental awareness is low. Women pay more attention to environmental problems in the region and the world and are more likely to demonstrate a preference for supporting environmentally friendly activities. The most important thing in raising the environmental awareness of students is not only to gain knowledge, but also to transition to an active civic position. This can be done by involving young people in various events that will give a boost to real actions to improve the environment in the local community. Information should be provided in the ways they are used to receiving it - through social networks and information sources, and it can be gender-oriented.