Environmental Literacy Among the General Public in Chiayi County, Taiwan

Su-Hwa Lin, Amit Kumar Sah and Yao-Ming Hong ()
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Su-Hwa Lin: Department of Science Education and Application, National Taichung University of Education, Taichung 403514, Taiwan
Amit Kumar Sah: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan
Yao-Ming Hong: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 97401, Taiwan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-30

Abstract: Environmental literacy plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable behavior and increasing public participation in environmental protection. This study investigates the environmental literacy of the general public in Chiayi County, Taiwan, focusing on five key dimensions: environmental awareness, knowledge, attitudes, action skills, and behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire, with data analyzed through SPSS, including descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability testing, hierarchical regression analysis, and moderation analysis. The results indicate that while respondents demonstrate high awareness of environmental issues and positive attitudes toward sustainability, there are significant gaps in environmental knowledge and action skills. Furthermore, demographic factors such as education, age, gender, and occupation moderate the relationships between these dimensions. These findings highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives and policy interventions to bridge the gap between awareness and actual environmental behavior. This study provides empirical insights for environmental education programs, emphasizing the importance of practical skill development, community engagement, and policy-driven support. By refining environmental education strategies, Taiwan can foster a more environmentally responsible society, contributing to long-term sustainability goals.

Keywords: environmental literacy; environmental education; environmental awareness; environmental knowledge; environmental behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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