Environmental Sustainability: From Awareness to Action. A Case Study from Greek Universities

Abstract

Understanding the relationship between environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors is essential for promoting sustainable practices, especially among young adults. Despite growing global concern about environmental issues, a persistent gap remains between what individuals know, how they feel about these issues, and how they act. This study examines that gap by exploring how environmental knowledge and attitudes influence sustainable behavior among university students in Greece. Drawing on preliminary findings from a pilot survey, this study investigates the extent to which students’ knowledge is related to their attitudes and engagement in pro-environmental actions. The results revealed a notable knowledge gap, yet environmental knowledge was positively associated with both attitudes and behaviors. While attitudes were also linked to behavior, they did not mediate the relationship between knowledge and action. These findings suggest a direct connection between environmental knowledge and sustainable behavior, highlighting the complexity of the knowledge–attitude–behavior dynamic. The study offers a valuable foundation for future research and practical insights for developing more effective educational programs and sustainability initiatives.