The Role of Education in Building Awareness of Sustainable Living in the Young Generation

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of education in building awareness of sustainable living in the younger generation, identify relevant learning approaches, and examine the challenges in turning knowledge into real action. The research uses a narrative literature review approach by analyzing journal articles that discuss environmental education, education for sustainable development, sustainability literacy, and pro-environmental behavior. The literature is reviewed thematically based on the contribution of education to knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, learning experiences, and environmental support of education. The results of the study show that education can support the formation of sustainable awareness through the integration of sustainability issues in the curriculum, experiential learning, student involvement in solving real problems, educator examples, and the formation of a school culture that supports environmentally friendly behavior. However, knowledge improvement is not always followed by behavior change because individual actions are also influenced by habits, social norms, availability of facilities, and institutional support. Therefore, continuous education needs to be implemented comprehensively through the integration of learning, habituation, participation, and a supportive environment. This study emphasizes that the success of education for sustainability needs to be assessed not only based on students' understanding, but also through the application of values and behaviors in daily life.