Sociocultural learning theories for social-ecological change

Environmental education is vital to promote knowledge, skills, attitudes, and practices to solve environmental problems, in the long run building a sustainable environment for current and future generations. This study aimed at determining the influence of Environmental Literacy (EL) on the practice of Environmental Sustainability (ES) among secondary school students in Busia District in Eastern Uganda. Using parallel convergent mixed methods and cross-sectional survey designs, 466 participants including 409 randomly selected students in 12 secondary schools filled the Environmental Literacy Survey (ELS) tool and questionnaire on the practice of ES. Forty-eight students from 6 randomly selected schools in 6 groups participated in focus group discussion (FGD), and 9 teachers of Geography, Agriculture, and Biology from 3 schools participated in an FGD. The results indicate that the students had a functional level of EL (M = 115.72, SD = 18.27), and a moderate level of practice of ES (M = 38.83, SD = 8.39). There was a significant relationship between EL and ES (r = .446, p < .01) which suggested that the secondary school curriculum yielded a functional EL. The level of EL was higher than the level of practice of ES. We recommend that the teaching profession should address the gap in attitude and practice by balancing the learning experiences in the school curriculum on the environmental knowledge, attitudes towards the environment as well as behaviour and practice of environmental sustainability.

Ours is an age of unprecedented levels of environmental alteration and biodiversity loss. Beyond the exposure to environmental hazards, conditions such as environmental degradation, biotic impoverishment, climate change, and the loss of ecosystem services create important health threats by changing the ecology of many pathogens and increasing the incidence and/or severity of certain noncommunicable conditions. They also threaten health in the future by weakening the Earth's life support systems.Although physicians remain one of the most often accessed and most trusted sources of information about the environment, there is currently little emphasis on educating medical professionals about these environmental issues. This lack of training reduces the ability of most physicians to be efficient science-public interfaces and makes them ineffective at contributing to address the fundamental causes of environmental problems or participate in substantive environmental policy discussions. This is an important challenge facing medical education today.To turn medical students into effective physician-citizens, an already-overwhelmed medical school curriculum must make way for a thoughtful exploration of environmental stressors and their impacts on human health. The overarching question before medical educators is how to develop the competencies, standards, and curricula for this educational endeavor. To this end, the authors highlight some of the critical linkages between health and the environment and suggest a subset of key practical issues that need to be addressed in order to create environmental education standards for the physician of the future.

Environmental degradation has emerged as a critical global issue, significantly impacting ecosystems and human health, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The need for comprehensive and sustainable environmental management practices is paramount to address these challenges effectively. This study aims to assess the current state of environmental degradation in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives undertaken during World Environment Day (WED) 2024 to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. The study employed a mixed-method approach, including field observations, community surveys, and analysis of environmental data. Activities during WED 2024, such as tree planting, educational lectures, and site visits, were evaluated to determine their impact on raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable practices. The activities conducted during WED 2024 significantly increased community awareness about environmental issues and the importance of sustainable practices. The planting of 500 native saplings contributed to combating deforestation and soil erosion, while educational lectures and site visits provided residents with practical knowledge and insights into environmental conservation. The initiatives undertaken during WED 2024 in Bayelsa State have laid a strong foundation for fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. By engaging the community and promoting sustainable practices, these efforts have set a positive precedent for future conservation activities, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable environment. To build on the success of these initiatives, it is recommended that the Bayelsa State Government enact stricter environmental laws and regulations. Increased environmental advocacy by the Nigerian Environmental Society and other stakeholders is crucial, along with adopting sustainable agricultural practices and improving waste management systems. This study highlights the critical role of community engagement and education in promoting environmental conservation. The findings demonstrate that targeted initiatives, such as those undertaken during WED 2024, can significantly enhance environmental awareness and drive sustainable practices, contributing to the overall resilience and sustainability of ecosystems in Bayelsa State and beyond.

This study investigates sustainability practices from the event participants’ perspective. Taking the China International Consumer Products Expo as a case study, this study adopts a quantitative research method to examine the effects of the sustainability practices of events on brand equity via structural equation modeling. The results of the empirical analysis are as follows: (1) the sustainability practices of events is a multi-dimensional concept, and the four determinants of sustainability practices of events examined in this study are environmental sustainability practices, economic sustainability practices, social sustainability practices, and policy sustainability practices; (2) the four dimensions of sustainability practices have positive effects on brand image; (3) social sustainability, environmental sustainability, and policy sustainability practices have a positive impact on willingness to pay a price premium; (4) brand image and attendees’ willingness to pay a price premium are significantly related to brand loyalty. The findings will be useful not only in improving the new structure of sustainability in the event field but also in providing new ideas and new ways for event organizers to improve event brand equity.

GI multisociety strategic plan on environmental sustainability.

Theoretical evidence shows that a considerable amount of attention has been given to environmental issues in academic researches in the past years and the link between sustainable environmental practices and firm performance remains inconclusive. One of the reasons for this inconsistent relationship is due to the increasing regulatory requirements of the environmental sustainable practices which have become increasingly stringent on yearly basis. This study investigates the moderating effect of environmental regulation on the relationship between sustainable environmental manufacturing practices and firm performance. Data was collected by using a mail survey questionnaire from the manufacturing companies in Malaysia and analyzed with PLS-SEM. The result of the empirical investigation found that environmental regulation only moderates the relationship between SEMP and environmental performance. The relationships between SEMP; and financial and operational performance were not significantly moderated by stringent environmental regulation. The study recommends that environmental policy makers should revisit the blueprint about environmental regulation on environmental practices to provide supportive environmental policies that will enhance a better financial and operational performance in manufacturing industry.

Leader dynamics play an important role in promoting environmental sustainability practices within organizations. Effective leaders can inspire and guide communities in preserving their environment. With strong leadership, organizations can move toward sustainability, embrace innovation, and be role models in maintaining a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. This research analyses the impact of leader dynamics on efforts to preserve a sustainable environment through their role in environment-related decision-making and how leadership styles can affect environmental conservation. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach. Data are obtained from various research results and previous research relevant to the study's content. The results found the importance of leader dynamics in encouraging environmental sustainability practices. Leadership plays an important role in encouraging environmental sustainability practices. Different leadership strategies and interventions towards environmental sustainability practices. Understanding the dynamics of leaders in promoting environmental sustainability is essential to encourage the widespread adoption of sustainable practices in Indonesia

This research aims to examine how cultural adaptation and sustainable environmental practices influence landscape dynamics in Kampung Adat Naga (a traditional Sundanese village in Indonesia), using an ethnomethodological approach. The study seeks to answer the central question of how the Kampung Adat Naga community integrates their cultural values into sustainable environmental practices and how this interaction affects local landscape dynamics. The methodology includes participatory observation, in-depth interviews, and document analysis to explore the long-established cultural and environmental practices of the Kampung Naga community. The findings reveal that cultural adaptation in Kampung Naga, such as the implementation of agroforestry systems and traditional ceremonies, plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and environmental sustainability. Cultural values and sustainability principles meticulously manage the village landscape, not only preserving soil fertility and biodiversity but also reinforcing the community’s cultural identity. The study also revealed that the Kampung Naga community bases their understanding of the environment on a holistic perspective, viewing nature as an entity worthy of respect and preservation. The study’s conclusion indicates that cultural practices and environmental sustainability in Kampung Naga are inseparable and mutually supportive, making a significant contribution to understanding the relationship between culture and the environment in the context of traditional communities. This research underscores the significance of upholding and honoring local cultural customs in worldwide sustainability initiatives, and offers fresh perspectives for crafting sustainable policies in other traditional communities.

Environmental sustainability practices in universities can play an important role in helping society form a sustainable future. In this study, the roles that Bangladeshi universities play in terms of sustainability practices on their campuses are scrutinized, as well as the challenges these universities face. The existing research on campus sustainability practices in Asia is reviewed, and a new exploratory study is put forth on environmental sustainability practices in the higher education institutions of a developing country—Bangladesh. The Campus Sustainability Assessment Framework used in Canadian universities was taken as basis for determining potential environmental management indicators. Results show that environmental management practices (i.e., environmental education, research, governance and operations) are present only to a very limited extent in higher education institutions in Bangladesh.

Biosecurity, environmental sustainability, and typological characteristics of broiler farms in Paraná State, Brazil

Environmental sustainability in healthcare: A qualitative study of the perspectives of nursing, medical and public health students in Kazakhstan

The study aimed to explore secondary and higher secondary school students’ view on the role of permaculture as a tool for environmental literacy development. Cross‐sectional survey research design was applied to collect the data through a questionnaire that was developed by Lebo to assess students’ views or attitudes and beliefs. Note that 1304 students were selected as a sample using a convenient sampling technique. The collected views were analyzed using parametric statistics, including independent sample t ‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance, with all assumptions met. The findings indicated significant differences in students’ views on permaculture and environmental literacy with respect to gender. Some students appeared to better recognize ecological limits and possibilities. Some students prioritized protecting the environment over making money. Most students reported enjoying learning science with a focus on the environment, with one cohort indicating much greater enjoyment of the permaculture approach than their usual level of enjoyment of learning science in school. Thus, the study underscores the importance of integrating permaculture approach in educational settings based on environmental education programs. These programs cultivate a deeper understanding of environmental literacy and sustainable practices among students to individually nourish the earth system.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the environmental sustainability practices of third-party logistics providers (TPLs) in a developing country and analyze the efforts made by TPLs to implement green practices through a case study of Moroccan TPLs.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative case study of Moroccan TPLs was conducted using an interview guide.FindingsThe findings indicate that the internal and external drivers motivate TPLs to implement green practices while internal and external obstacles hinder them. The authors identified two groups of TPLs, each with a specific environmental sustainability approach. The results indicate also that environmental sustainability is at an early stage of development in Moroccan TPLs. Based on these findings, the authors were able to develop several propositions for further research. It is suggested that TPLs market coverage can influence positively their green initiative; the lack of collaboration and partners involvement hinders TPLs environmental initiatives; and the lack of clear environmental strategy limits TPLs environmental sustainability initiatives.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations that provide future research opportunities. Because this study is qualitative, further statistical support is needed to justify wider generalization of its findings. The possibility of generalizing the present findings to countries beyond Morocco is limited by the fact that data were collected exclusively there. Studies might therefore do well to investigate TPLs in developing countries other than Morocco to increase the external validity of the results. Also, the research could be expanded by taking into account how shippers or client companies collaborate with TPLs to improve sustainability initiatives.Practical implicationsThe results can be used to inform companies about environmental sustainability initiatives that have been implemented or to identify practices that can be adopted.Originality/valueThe relevant literature has centered on advanced countries, and few studies have been conducted in the logistics market. Research on the sustainable initiatives of TPLs in developing countries in general and African countries in particular is sparse. This paper addresses this gap by investigating the sustainable practices of TPLs in Morocco.

Purpose The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals is calling for action from all stakeholders to address the rapid decline in social and environmental conditions. Sport organizations have responded by implementing various sustainability initiatives. However, for these goals to be achieved, employee engagement is crucial. The purpose of this study is to examine how sport employees perceive their organization’s social and environmental sustainability practices, and how these perceptions influence their attitudes and behavioral intentions toward sustainability at work. Design/methodology/approach A structural equation model was used to test the relationships among sport employees’ perception of their organization’s sustainability behaviors, attitudes toward environmental and social sustainability and sustainability behavior intention. The researchers recruited 249 managerial sport employees from athletic departments of Division I institutions. Findings Results indicate that sport employees’ perceptions of their organization’s social and environmental sustainability influenced their sustainability attitudes, leading to higher sustainability behavior intentions. Originality/value This study contributes to the field of sport management by enhancing our understanding of factors that influence sustainability behaviors among sport employees. By identifying key predictors, this research highlights the importance of sport organizations’ activities as critical drivers of employee sustainability behaviors at work. Furthermore, the study extends the Theory of Reasoned Action by examining perception’s influence on their attitudes.

The urgent need to address climate change has propelled nations worldwide to adopt and implement diverse strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. This paper presents a comprehensive review and analysis of global policies designed to curb carbon emissions, evaluating their effectiveness in mitigating the impacts of climate change. By synthesizing information from various regions and assessing the multifaceted approaches employed, this review offers insights into the current state of carbon emission reduction strategies on the global stage. The analysis encompasses a thorough examination of policy frameworks, regulatory measures, and market-based mechanisms adopted by nations to achieve carbon emission reduction targets. It explores the nuanced interplay between governmental interventions, industry initiatives, and international collaborations, recognizing the interconnectedness of efforts in a shared global environment. Additionally, the paper delves into the effectiveness of these strategies by considering key indicators such as emission reductions, technological advancements, and societal impact. By evaluating the success stories and identifying challenges faced by different countries, the review seeks to distill lessons that can inform future policy development and implementation. The global transition towards renewable energy sources, sustainable practices, and innovative technologies is a central theme in the analysis. As nations strive to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental responsibility, the review highlights notable initiatives and best practices that showcase the feasibility of achieving substantial carbon emission reductions without compromising developmental goals. In conclusion, this global policy review and analysis provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategies employed to reduce carbon emissions worldwide. By critically examining the effectiveness of these approaches, the findings contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable environmental practices, informing policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers alike in their collective pursuit of a low-carbon future.