Influence of Environmental Knowledge on Attitudes and Behavior of Students Studying Environmental Management

Abstract

This study assesses the impact of environmental knowledge on attitudes and behaviors among students studying environmental management versus those in non-environmental disciplines at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Employing a survey design and Mann-Whitney U test for analysis, it examines whether specialized environmental management education influences students' environmental awareness, attitudes, and behaviour. Findings indicate that environmental management students have significantly higher environmental knowledge, more positive attitudes towards environmental conservation, and engage in more sustainable behaviors compared to their non-environmental peers. These results highlight the essential role of environmental management education in enhancing students' environmental consciousness and commitment to sustainable actions.The study underscores the necessity of integrating environmental principles across academic disciplines to broaden environmental awareness. It suggests active learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and partnerships with environmental organizations as strategies to boost student engagement in environmental stewardship. Additionally, it calls for further research into the long-term impacts of environmental education and its effectiveness across various cultural contexts, emphasizing its importance in preparing future environmental stewards.

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