Work

Effect of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors: a comparative analysis between engineering students and professionals in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines the effects of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental attitudes and behavior by analyzing the relationship between general environmental knowledge (GEK), specific environmental knowledge (SEK), environmental attitudes (ENA), and public pro-environmental behavior (PPB) in two demographic groups: engineering students from universities and active engineers working in the maquiladora industry, both in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico). A questionnaire was designed based on a literature review, adapted to the Mexican context, and applied to engineers in 21 companies and 3 universities; 1449 valid responses were collected, and a structural equation model was developed to validate the five hypotheses. The findings suggest that SEK exerts a more significant influence on active engineers’ PPB, possibly because of their industry experience and understanding of the environmental consequences of industrial processes. In contrast, engineering students may exhibit less developed PPB despite having a solid theoretical foundation compared to active engineers. These findings have important implications for both groups’ education and development of environmental awareness and strategies.

Source: Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences

DOI: 10.1007/s13412-024-00991-5

Authors: Ingrid Iovana Burgos-Espinoza, Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz, Alfonso Jesús Gil-López, José Roberto Díaz-Reza

Institutions: Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Universidad de La Rioja

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Education and Sustainability

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190