Study On Environmental Awareness Among Undergraduate Students In Medinipur District, West Bengal

Abstract

Environmental awareness plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable attitudes and behaviors among youth. As environmental degradation intensifies globally, fostering awareness among college students becomes essential for promoting long-term ecological responsibility. This study examined environmental awareness among undergraduate students in the Medinipur district of West Bengal, focusing on differences based on gender, locality, and academic stream. Using a descriptive survey method, data were collected from 426 students across eight randomly selected government colleges using a standardized Environmental Awareness Scale developed by the researcher. The analysis employed independent samples t-tests and Welch’s ANOVA with Games-Howell post hoc tests. Findings revealed that girls had significantly higher environmental awareness than boys, and science students outperformed their arts and commerce counterparts. However, no significant difference was found between rural and urban students. These results underscore the need for stream-specific curriculum integration and gender-inclusive educational strategies to foster environmental consciousness among all student groups, thereby contributing to a more sustainable future.