Environmental attitudes and behaviours of youth in Poland and their determinants based on ICCS 2022 data
DOI: 10.24131/3724.230406
Abstract
This article presents an analysis of the environmental attitudes and behaviours of Polish 8th-grade students as well as their intentions regarding engaging in pro-environmental actions in the future, examining their associations with gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and civic knowledge. Drawing on data from the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS 2022), the analysis explores students’ concerns about environmental threats, their views on environmental protection, reported pro-environmental behaviours including consumer behaviours, and students’ expected future engagement in environmental activities. While most students perceive environmental issues as a significant threat to the future of the world, climate change is less frequently identified as a major problem compared to other environmental threats. Additionally, significant differences in perceptions are observed depending on students’ socio-economic status and level of civic knowledge. The analysis indicates that girls demonstrate more pro-environmental attitudes and are more likely to report engaging in pro-environmental practices than boys, and demonstrate greater willingness to engage in environmental efforts in the future. The relationship between SES and environmental attitudes and behaviours is more complex—significant differences are mainly observed in attitudes and only in certain behaviours, for example they do not appear in consumer practices or students’ declarations regarding future environ- mental engagement. A higher level of civic knowledge is generally associated with greater care for the environment and more frequent declarations of engaging in pro-environmental behaviours, though some contradictions emerge, particularly regarding economic priorities and consumer choices. The article emphasises the importance of fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment among children and youth, rather than relying on fear-based approaches. It also highlights the need for educational initiatives in the environmental area, particularly those targeting boys and addressing disparities between students from different socio-economic backgrounds.