Education for sustainable development - economics students' perspectives at an institution of higher learning in South Africa

Abstract

Sustainable development has become a major concern in recent years. Faced with a possible unsustainable future, including depletion of natural resources, greenhouse gases, environmental degradation, and the need to provide housing, food, water, and health care for an ever-increasing population, these novel complex problems will challenge citizens globally, and everything that has life in the world. This has led to the need for awareness of sustainable development, from university students, so that they are equipped with the knowledge to advocate for changes in behaviour, for a sustainable future. This study aimed at identifying how knowledgeable Economics students are on sustainability issues, establishing their level of concern on sustainability issues affecting South Africa and the globe, and finding out their personal lifestyles and reflections on sustainability concerns. A quantitative study was adopted, where questionnaires were distributed to second- and third-year Economics students at an institution of higher learning. The results were analysed from 114 responses using t-tests as well as ANOVA tests. The findings indicate that students are highly knowledgeable and concerned about water and energy savings concepts, and least knowledgeable about waste disposal concepts. The students felt that they have a responsibility towards taking care of the environment and society. The results also indicated that their lifestyles do not reflect their concerns about sustainability. Although the study found that the students lack knowledge on some key sustainability concepts such as sustainable development, they are concerned about sustainability of water and energy. In addition, though their lifestyles do not reflect their concerns about sustainability, the students are interested in learning more about sustainability. It is recommended that institutions of higher learning integrate programs to educate the students more on the importance of sustainable development.