Environmental Civic Responsibility among College Students: An Empirical Study

Abstract

Environmental Conservation refers to the protection, preservation, and sustainable management of natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations. Civic Responsibility, on the other hand, involves the duties and obligations of individuals as members of a society to contribute positively to its well-being. This study utilizes a quantitative research approach to examine the role of college students in promoting environmental conservation and civic responsibility within the Kanyakumari district. The research's primary objectives are to assess students' awareness levels regarding environmental and civic issues, evaluate their participation in related activities, and identify factors influencing their involvement. The Personal Distributed Questionnaire (PDQ) collected data among a representative sample of college students to collect data on their attitudes, knowledge, and actions in these areas. The researcher used stratified sampling, a probable sampling technique, to collect data. The researcher used the ANOVA and Pearson Correlation to determine the relationship between the variables. The results indicate a high level of awareness among students about environmental and civic challenges, with notable participation in activities such as waste management, tree planting, and community service. However, the study also highlights barriers such as limited resources and institutional support hindering greater involvement. The findings provide actionable recommendations to enhance student engagement, including integrating conservation and civic responsibility into academic curricula and encouraging collaborative initiatives. This research underscores college students' potential as key change agents in building a sustainable and socially responsible society.