Pro-environmental practice among young population: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Behavioral Science
• Youth Studies

Background:

• A significant gap exists between pro-environmental knowledge and actual behavior.
• Human behavior directly influences pro-environmental practices, necessitating behavioral change for environmental solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze existing literature on pro-environmental practices among young people.
• To understand the factors influencing environmental behavior in the youth demographic.

Main Methods:

• A PICO-based search strategy was employed across major scientific databases (SCOPUS, PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Google, Cochrane).
• Keywords and Boolean operators (AND, OR) were used for systematic literature retrieval.
• Fifteen full-text articles were selected for comprehensive review.

Main Results:

• Youth engagement in environmental initiatives is highly valued, supported by increased use of information and communication technologies.
• There is a growing need to focus on pro-environmental practices and environmental behavior due to the negative impacts of current lifestyles.
• The study facilitated exploration of variables influencing environmental practices and their interpretation.

Conclusions:

• The study identifies and contributes to understanding barriers in pro-environmental practices.
• Addressing identified challenges is essential for informing policies and procedures.
• Recommendations aim to promote the adoption of sustainable practices and remove obstacles to behavioral change.