Student environmental culture as a cornerstone of sustainability in higher education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62452/20dfs638Keywords:
Environmental culture, sustainability, higher education, pro-environmental behavior, environmental education, universitiesAbstract
This article analyzes the environmental culture of higher education students and its impact on university sustainability, highlighting the importance of educational, institutional, and behavioral factors in developing a strong ecological awareness. The main objective is to examine how student environmental culture influences sustainability within universities, considering the interaction between environmental education, institutional policies, and academic practices. The methodology employed is based on a qualitative literature review approach, analyzing recent scientific literature published between 2019 and 2025. Empirical and theoretical studies were compiled from various academic databases, applying selection criteria focused on research related to higher education, sustainability, and pro-environmental behavior. The information was analyzed using thematic categories that allowed for the identification of common patterns, conceptual relationships, and research gaps in the field. The results of the analysis demonstrate that environmental culture among students depends not only on formal education but also on institutional commitment and practical learning experiences. It was found that the cross-cutting integration of sustainability into the curriculum, along with active learning methodologies and coherent university policies, significantly strengthens pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, it was concluded that sustainability in higher education requires a comprehensive approach that integrates the pedagogical, organizational, and social dimensions to achieve a lasting impact on student development.
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