Effect of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors: a comparative analysis between engineering students and professionals in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico)

Ingrid Iovana Burgos-Espinoza (), Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz (), Alfonso Jesús Gil-López () and José Roberto Díaz-Reza ()
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Ingrid Iovana Burgos-Espinoza: Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Jorge Luis García-Alcaraz: Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez
Alfonso Jesús Gil-López: Universidad de La Rioja
José Roberto Díaz-Reza: Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez

Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, 2025, vol. 15, issue 4, No 9, 875 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study examines the effects of environmental knowledge on pro-environmental attitudes and behavior by analyzing the relationship between general environmental knowledge (GEK), specific environmental knowledge (SEK), environmental attitudes (ENA), and public pro-environmental behavior (PPB) in two demographic groups: engineering students from universities and active engineers working in the maquiladora industry, both in Ciudad Juárez (Mexico). A questionnaire was designed based on a literature review, adapted to the Mexican context, and applied to engineers in 21 companies and 3 universities; 1449 valid responses were collected, and a structural equation model was developed to validate the five hypotheses. The findings suggest that SEK exerts a more significant influence on active engineers’ PPB, possibly because of their industry experience and understanding of the environmental consequences of industrial processes. In contrast, engineering students may exhibit less developed PPB despite having a solid theoretical foundation compared to active engineers. These findings have important implications for both groups’ education and development of environmental awareness and strategies.

Keywords: Environmental knowledge; Pro-environmental attitudes; Environmental behaviors; Environmental education (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s13412-024-00991-5

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