Examining the factors that influence individual environmental behavior and attitudes: a study of university students in Karachi

Student Number

25308

Degree

Master of Science in Development Studies

Department

Department of Economics

School

School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS)

Date of Submission

Summer 6-12-2024

Supervisor

Dr. Junaid Alam Memon, Professor, Department of Social Sciences

Committee Member 1

Dr. Asad Ur Rehman, Examiner, Assistant Professor, Social Development & Policy School of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, Habib University, Karachi

Committee Member 2

Dr Arslan Waheed, Program Coordinator, Graduate Programs SSLA, Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi

Keywords

Environmental Behaviour, Environmental Attitudes, University Students, Environmental Education, Environmental Knowledge, Social Environment, Media Consumption, Sustainability, Pro-Environmental Actions, Sustainable Consumer Behaviours, Environmental Awareness

Abstract

This study delves into the nuanced realm of environmental awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours among 260 university students, both enrolled in master's and bachelor’s programs at the University of Karachi (KU) and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi. Through a carefully designed questionnaire tailored for university students, data was collected and rigorously analysed. The study presents solid reliability testing findings, confirming the consistent and trustworthy assessment of essential environmental metrics such as Environmental Education, Environmental Knowledge, and Social Environment. The influence of media consumption on environmental attitudes and behaviours was also highly reliable, offering useful insights into the elements driving environmentally conscious behaviour. Correlation research revealed fascinating correlations between several factors, revealing light on environmental attitudes and actions. The connection between environmental knowledge, cultural influences, core beliefs, and many facets of environmental behaviour was highlighted through key relationships. The study found critical determinants of environmental behaviour using regression analysis in three unique models. Notably, the Social Environment and Environmental Knowledge emerged as significant predictors, highlighting their critical significance in motivating actions and basic values. The models also revealed insights into the influence of gender, academic background, and origin on consumerism tendencies and environmentally conscious behaviour. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics shaping individuals' environmental attitudes and behaviours, providing a valuable foundation for fostering sustainable practices and promoting environment consciousness within an academic setting.

Submission Type

Thesis

Document Type

Restricted Access

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