A Sustainability Literacy Among University Students: Awareness and Practices

Abstract

This research explores the sustainability literacy of university students in Pakistan with a particular reference to their understanding, attitudes and practices on sustainable development and the role that universities can play to promote sustainability. Quantitative, descriptive survey design was employed to collect data using a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 664 students from different faculties. Findings indicate that students are moderately aware (M = 2.50) and have a positive attitude (M = 2.44) towards sustainability, modest sustainable behavior (M = 2.39), and weak perceived institutional support (M = 2.32). The gender-based analysis indicated that sensitivity was significantly different (p value < 0.05), with females having better awareness, and males expressing stronger attitudes and practices. There were also variations by department, suggesting that sustainability literacy is subject-dependent. Positive correlation between attitudes and practices (r = .841, p < .01) as well as weak relationships between knowledge and practice. While there is the increasing theoretical comprehension of sustainability, the translation into practice within the university does not seem too straightforward. The study suggests that environmental and sustainability education should be embedded within the curriculum in higher education; there is a need to increase institutional engagement and build capacity for authentic experiential learning that leads to changes in values and behavior.