Environmental Awareness of the Government College Students in Dhaka City: Sources, Demographic Influences and Pathways for Improvement towards Achieving SDGs
Abstract
Students’ sustainability and environmental understanding helps address global environmental challenges. This study examines the environmental awareness of government college students in Dhaka city by exploring sources of environmental knowledge, analyzing links with demographic traits, and identifying pathways to achieve the SDGs. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire from 382 students across three Government Colleges. Stratified random sampling ensured proportional representation by institution, discipline, and gender, while colleges were purposively selected based on coeducation, large student populations, disciplinary diversity, and strategic location. Findings show students possess positive attitudes and moderate to high environmental knowledge; however, this knowledge remains largely theoretical with limited real-life application. While, low participation in environmental issues reflects structural and institutional barriers rather than indifference. Concurrently, students are influenced more by formal education and mainstream media than by peer, community, or student-led engagement. Furthermore, The demographic uniformity suggests the influence of a centralized education system. Bridging the awareness–action gap requires an institution-wide, immersive, interdisciplinary sustainability approach integrating curriculum, campus life, and participatory learning.
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