Environmental literacy and nature experience in Chengdu, China

Abstract

This research investigated environmental literacy and nature experience among 1433 children and adults in Chengdu, China. Utilizing a standard measure of environmental literacy modified to be culture- and age-appropriate, we found almost universal agreement that nature should be protected. Although our results showed that older groups were less likely to enjoy experiences in nature compared to the younger ones, this was not reflected in a reduced appreciation for nature, which was high in all age groups. Within each category of student, age was associated with increased knowledge but decreased enjoyment of nature experiences and environmental concern. In contrast, among the adult residents, increasing age was associated with less objective knowledge but with more liking and concern about nature. Based on these results, we provide recommendations for environmental education that incorporates time in nature in order to foster environmental concern and behavior as well as knowledge.

Keywords:

• Environmental literacy
• China
• environmental education
• environmental concern
• nature experience

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Foundation.

Notes on contributors

Susan Clayton

Susan Clayton is Whitmore-Williams Professor of Psychology at the College of Wooster in Ohio, where her research focuses on individuals’ relationship with nature and the social context for environmental concern. A fellow of the American Psychological Association and the Society for Environmental, Population, and Conservation Psychology, she is the author or editor of seven books including the Oxford Handbook of Environmental and Conservation Psychology.

Sarah M. Bexell

Sarah M. Bexell is Associate Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work and Director of Humane Education at the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, both at the University of Denver. Bexell is also Director of Conservation Education at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Ping Xu

Ping Xu is Curator of the Conservation Education department at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Xu is also a trainer of the Academy of Conservation Training at Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens.

Ya Fei Tang

Ya Fei Tang is Conservation Education Manager of the Conservation Education department at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Tang is also a trainer of the Academy of Conservation Training at Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens.

Wen Jing Li

Wen Jing Li is Conservation Education Educator of the Conservation Education department at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Li Chen

Li Chen is Conservation Education Educator of the Conservation Education department at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.