Awareness of environmental preservation and natural resources among students in higher education in the context of sustainable development

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the level of students’ awareness regarding environmental preservation and natural resources as a pathway toward achieving sustainable development, while also exploring differences in awareness based on gender and academic faculty. A descriptive survey approach was adopted, and the sample consisted of 232 randomly selected male and female students from various faculties at Ajloun National University in northern Jordan. The findings revealed that the overall level of environmental awareness among students was moderate across the three dimensions assessed: cognitive, emotional, and skill-based. Notably, statistically significant differences were observed based on the faculty variable, with students from scientific faculties demonstrating higher awareness levels than their counterparts in other fields. However, no significant differences were found based on gender. These results suggest the need for universities to place greater emphasis on developing students' emotional and practical engagement with environmental issues. The study recommends enhancing experiential learning opportunities, such as field visits, volunteer work in environmental contexts, and support for student-led projects in areas like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and recycling technologies. Such initiatives could foster deeper, action-oriented environmental awareness and better equip students to contribute meaningfully to sustainable development goals. Future research is recommended to explore the effectiveness of these initiatives across different academic disciplines and educational levels.