An investigation of environmental awareness and practice among a sample of undergraduate students in Belize

Abstract

Climate change is causing rapid environmental deterioration in the Caribbean. Therefore, empowering citizens to become environmentally literate is crucial. This study examined environmental awareness (EA) and practice (EP) among a sample (n=207) of Belizean undergraduate students. An Environmental Knowledge Indicator (High = 18-20; Moderate = 14-17; Low = 10-13; Poor = 7-9; Very Poor= < 6) and an Environmentally Responsible Behaviour scale (High = 72-80; Moderate = 56-71; Low = 40-55; Poor = 26-39; Very Poor= < 25) were used to collect data. Results revealed low levels of environmental awareness (M=13.5), and poor environmentally responsible practice (M=33.4). There was no statistically significant relationship between EA and EP. Males had statistically higher EA scores (M =14.06) than females (M= 12.49), t (205) = 3.53, p =.001. They also had statistically higher EP scores (M=35.11) than females (M = 32.15), t (203) = 2.07, p<.05). Natural Science students had statistically higher EA scores (M = 13.93) than Social Science students (M= 12.41), t (205) = -3.51, p=.001. They also had statistically higher EP scores (M = 34.97) than Social Science students (M= 31.82), t (203) = -2.23, p<.05. These results may suggest inadequate exposure to Education for Sustainable Development models.

Keywords:

• Environmental awareness
• environmental education
• environmental literacy
• environmental practice
• sustainability