Environmental awareness of tertiary students in Nueva Ecija, Philippines: Basis for an action plan on pollution prevention and climate change mitigation
Paper Details
Environmental awareness of tertiary students in Nueva Ecija, Philippines: Basis for an action plan on pollution prevention and climate change mitigation
Abstract
In an institutional context, universities are areas also considered as mini-cities because they constitute several direct and indirect environmental impacts because of their high population density. It is one of their prime mandates to be actively instrumental in the sustainability movement, and must transcend environmental issues, including improper waste management and pollution. The environmental issues and challenges, as well as sustainable environmental practices on pollution prevention and climate change mitigation of the Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology were assessed. These data were collected through self-structured, yet validated and reliability-tested survey instruments. These data served as a basis in the development of an action plan on pollution prevention and climate change adaptation of the University. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that student-respondents have excellent familiarity on the concepts of climate change and pollution, while satisfactory familiarity on solid waste. The proposed action plan on pollution prevention and climate change mitigation, with emphasis on sustainable resource utilization, solid waste management, energy conservation, environmental presentation, zero waste and circular economy, biodiversity conservation, and socio-civic action, is hereby recommended to be adapted by the University to deepen the understanding, and commitment, and to promote behavior change among its constituents towards a more safe, sound and sustainable University.
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