Abstract
The study was conducted in 2026 in the East Champaran district of Bihar to examine the relationship between environmental awareness and behavioural adoption among high school students. A descriptive survey design was employed, and primary data were collected from 300 students of Classes IX and X selected through stratified random sampling from four secondary schools. A structured questionnaire was used to measure environmental awareness, understanding of environmental issues and behavioural adoption using a five-point Likert scale. The results revealed that students possessed a moderate level of environmental awareness (Mean = 3.60) and understanding (Mean = 3.42), whereas behavioural adoption was comparatively lower (Mean = 3.25). The paired t test indicated a statistically significant difference between awareness and behavioural adoption scores (p < 0.01), confirming the presence of an awareness–action gap. Chi square analysis showed that demographic variables such as gender and class level were not significantly associated with environmental awareness. In contrast, climate change awareness was significantly associated with carbon reduction behaviour. The findings suggest that awareness alone is insufficient to ensure consistent environmental practices. Strengthening experiential and participatory environmental education at the school level may help translate environmental knowledge into sustained behavioural engagement.
KeywordsEnvironmental awareness, Pro environmental behaviour, High school students, Environmental education, Chi-square test.
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