Yang Chanxi, Fang Zhongzheng
Yangzhou University, Yangzhou City, Jiangsu Province, 225000, China.
Faculty of Global Business Administration, Anyang University, Anyang City, Gyeonggi-do, 14028, South Korea.
Heliyon. 2024 Jun 4;10(12):e32446. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32446. eCollection 2024 Jun 30.
Growing environmental challenges necessitate increased focus on sustainability education. This study examines the effects of environmental education programs in China on air and water quality perception, waste reduction, and energy consumption reduction. A comparative quantitative design with 650 participants divided into four groups was employed. Data were collected using the Environmental Sustainability Assessment Survey (ESAS) instrument to assess environmental awareness and behavior changes. Statistical tests were used to identify significant differences between groups. Findings showed significant improvements in perceived air and water quality, with web-based programs demonstrating particular success. Waste reduction efforts also varied, with web-based education again proving effective. Energy consumption reduction was most evident in the corporate sector, where leadership in electric vehicles and sustainable transportation played a key role. Supportive government policies and environmental NGOs further highlighted the power of informed environmental decision-making. This study emphasizes the critical role of environmental education in addressing sustainability challenges. It empowers individuals and communities to actively engage in environmental conservation actively, fostering a harmonious relationship between humans and the environment. Our findings have global implications, highlighting education's vital role in shaping a sustainable future.
日益严峻的环境挑战使得人们有必要更加关注可持续发展教育。本研究考察了中国环境教育项目对空气质量和水质认知、减少废物产生以及降低能源消耗的影响。采用了比较定量设计，将650名参与者分为四组。使用环境可持续性评估调查（ESAS）工具收集数据，以评估环境意识和行为变化。使用统计测试来确定组间的显著差异。研究结果表明，人们对空气质量和水质的认知有显著改善，基于网络的项目尤其成功。减少废物产生的努力也各不相同，基于网络的教育再次证明是有效的。能源消耗的减少在企业部门最为明显，电动汽车和可持续交通方面的领先地位发挥了关键作用。政府的支持政策和环境非政府组织进一步凸显了明智的环境决策的力量。本研究强调了环境教育在应对可持续发展挑战中的关键作用。它使个人和社区有能力积极参与环境保护，促进人类与环境之间的和谐关系。我们的研究结果具有全球意义，突出了教育在塑造可持续未来中的重要作用。
