Environmental attitudes and behaviours amongst University of Malta students

Abstract

This dissertation aims to outline the University students' attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. The dissertation focussed on the students of the University of Malta because it is the highest educational institution. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to assess the varying environment perceptions and attitudes between different students at four faculties. This was done to try to bring out any differences within the faculties and to figure out possible spatial differences in the mentality regarding the environment. The questionnaire survey was designed to evaluate the present status of environmental attitudes and behaviours of the students. The faculties selected were Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Education and Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA). From this dissertation the main outcome identified was that the majority of students do not practice an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Most students support environmental protection in principle especially declaratively since this is a socially approved action. When faced with restrictions that would interfere with their way of life by limiting their activities or increasing their expenses, their enthusiasm decreased rapidly. Differences in environmental attitudes were found between Faculty of Science students and Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy (FEMA) students. The former have been found to be more environmentally aware and have positive attitudes and behaviours towards the environment. On the other hand the latter have been found to be the less environmentally aware from the four faculties.