1. Introduction
The United Nations has emphasized the importance of environmental education as part of its sustainable development goals. The concept of environmental literacy, encompassing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, has been discussed in the context of the UN’s Agenda 2030. The UN also recognizes the value of incorporating Indigenous knowledge into educational curricula [
1]. The Tbilisi Declaration is a significant document that highlights environmental education as a means to promote environmental awareness and responsible actions. It serves as an internationally recognized framework for environmental education [
2,
3,
4], discussing the role of education in addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. They emphasize the importance of moving beyond instrumental learning toward more transformative and emancipatory approaches: cognition and environment; emphasizing the role of understanding and information processing in environmental awareness; and showing that environmental literacy is not just about knowledge but about how people process information [
5,
6], delving into the complexities of behavior change and the factors influencing pro-environmental actions, a key issue in environmental literacy.
In Malaysia, studies have examined the impact of environmental literacy on pro-environmental behaviors, particularly in the adoption of “3R” practices (reduce, reuse, recycle). Ref. [
6] discusses the role of higher education in promoting sustainable development. In Turkey, Ref. [
7] assessed pre-service teachers’ environmental literacy to inform teacher education programs. Ref. [
8] evaluated the environmental literacy of science and technology teachers. Other studies [
9] have focused on environmental education and literacy. In Israel, Ref. [
7] examined the environmental literacy of pre-service teachers at the beginning and end of their studies. In the United States, numerous studies have explored different dimensions of environmental education and literacy, often focusing on specific age groups or educational settings. Ref. [
10] developed a widely adopted framework for assessing environmental literacy. In Germany, Ref. [
11] studied the use of metaphors in communicating climate change, while [
12] examined the effectiveness of educational approaches to sustainability. In Sweden, Ref. [
13] conducted studies on environmental literacy. Australia, India, and Indonesia have also been studied, with Indonesia focusing on integrating ethnoscience into environmental literacy [
14]. Research in the Czech Republic has examined the impact of environmental and sustainability education on teenagers’ environmental literacy [
15].
Taiwan enacted the Environmental Education Act in 2011, which mandates environmental education programs in public sectors, schools, and teacher training programs. The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) oversees the act, while the Ministry of Education (MOE) manages the school curriculum. A national investigation into teachers’ environmental literacy in Taiwan revealed that elementary school teachers scored higher in all EL domains compared to junior and senior high school teachers. Ref. [
16] extensively studied teachers’ environmental literacy, identifying key areas for professional development. Studies have also evaluated the environmental literacy of undergraduate students in Taiwan, showing relatively low levels of environmental knowledge and behavior but moderate environmental attitudes. Ref. [
17] conducted a nationwide survey confirming these findings. Other research in Taiwan focused on elementary school teachers’ environmental education cognition and attitudes. Results show a general awareness of environmental issues but also highlight the need for more effective teacher training. Refs. [
18,
19] support this conclusion. Chung developed a scale to measure elementary school teachers’ environmental education cognition. The Taiwan Roadkill Observation Network (TaiRON) is a community of practice contributing to environmental literacy for sustainability. Ref. [
20] applied the norm activation model to study the pro-environmental behaviors of public servants in Taiwan.
The literature shows a broad interest in environmental literacy as a critical element of sustainability, encompassing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Studies range from those focusing on specific educational programs to large-scale surveys assessing environmental literacy across diverse populations. Across regions, there is an emphasis on the need for effective environmental education programs, teacher training, and strategies to translate knowledge into pro-environmental actions. Taiwan, with its Environmental Education Act, serves as an interesting case study, where ongoing efforts to promote environmental literacy require continuous assessment.
Environmental degradation, driven by pollution, deforestation, climate change, and unsustainable resource consumption, has become a pressing global issue. Addressing these challenges requires more than just government policies and technological advancements; it necessitates active public participation. However, meaningful engagement in sustainability efforts depends on individuals’ environmental literacy—their ability to understand, respond to, and prevent environmental problems. Environmental literacy consists of five interconnected dimensions: awareness of environmental issues, knowledge of their causes and solutions, positive attitudes towards sustainability, action skills to implement corrective measures, and engagement in environmentally responsible behaviors. Recognizing the importance of environmental literacy, global efforts have intensified to integrate environmental education into both formal education and community initiatives. Many countries have incorporated sustainability into national development agendas, with programs aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasizing education for sustainable development (ESD). Despite these efforts, a persistent challenge remains: transforming awareness and knowledge into concrete, sustainable actions.
This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing environmental literacy levels among residents of Chiayi County and analyzing the relationships between awareness, knowledge, attitudes, action skills, and behavior. Additionally, it investigates how demographic factors such as age, education, gender, and occupation influence these relationships, identifying which groups may require targeted interventions. Younger individuals may benefit from structured environmental education, while older individuals may have stronger environmental attitudes shaped by life experience. Understanding these variations will help refine environmental education strategies to ensure effectiveness across different demographics. The study pursues four key objectives. First, it evaluates residents’ levels of environmental literacy by examining their awareness, knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. Identifying gaps in these dimensions will inform the development of targeted education and outreach programs. Second, it explores how these five dimensions interact—how awareness may lead to knowledge acquisition, knowledge may shape attitudes, and attitudes may drive skill development and behavioral engagement. To validate these relationships, the study employs structural equation modeling (SEM), providing empirical evidence for more integrated and effective environmental education strategies. Third, the study examines the moderating effects of demographic factors to understand whether specific groups exhibit stronger or weaker connections between environmental literacy components. For instance, individuals with higher education levels may more effectively translate knowledge into behavior, whereas those with stronger attitudes may rely on different pathways to develop environmental skills. Identifying these distinctions will help create customized interventions tailored to the unique needs of various population segments. Finally, based on the findings, the study will offer policy and educational recommendations aimed at strengthening environmental engagement. Strategies such as digital learning platforms, interactive workshops, and community-based programs will be proposed to enhance public knowledge, develop action skills, and foster pro-environmental attitudes.
By addressing these objectives, this study contributes to both academic research and practical applications in environmental education. It provides empirical evidence on the interconnectedness of environmental literacy dimensions and the role of demographic influences, filling a critical research gap. The insights gained will assist policymakers, educators, and community leaders in designing more effective interventions to promote long-term sustainable behavior. This study aims to answer the following research question: How do environmental awareness, knowledge, attitudes, action skills, and behavior interact, and how do demographic factors such as age, education, gender, and occupation moderate these relationships? Furthermore, the study’s recommendations will support the development of inclusive and accessible environmental education initiatives, ensuring broader public participation in sustainability efforts.
Environmental literacy refers to the combination of knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors that enable individuals to understand and address environmental challenges effectively. It equips people with the capacity to recognize environmental issues, analyze their causes and effects, and take informed actions to protect and restore the environment. Environmental knowledge and action skills are critical determinants of sustainable behavior across various cultural contexts. Studies conducted in Europe and the United States have demonstrated that higher environmental knowledge often leads to greater behavioral engagement. For instance, a study in Germany found that individuals with a well-developed understanding of climate change and resource conservation were more likely to adopt energy-efficient household practices and engage in waste management initiatives [
21]. Similarly, research in Sweden highlighted that citizens with stronger environmental literacy were more inclined to participate in community-driven sustainability programs, particularly in recycling and biodiversity conservation efforts [
22]. In the United States, environmental knowledge has been linked to action-oriented behaviors, particularly in urban sustainability programs. Ref. [
23] demonstrated that residents in highly urbanized regions with higher environmental education exposure were more likely to adopt sustainable transportation choices and support local environmental policies. Furthermore, Ref. [
24] found that integrating action-based environmental education in high school curricula significantly improved students’ long-term sustainability practices, reinforcing the idea that practical environmental skills must accompany theoretical knowledge for meaningful behavior change.
Environmental literacy plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable behavior and policy compliance, encompassing a broad range of cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions [
25]. The growing concern over climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation has emphasized the need for educational interventions to improve public environmental awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and actions [
26]. Global education policies have increasingly recognized the significance of integrating environmental sustainability into curricula, with initiatives such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4.7) and UNESCO’s Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework highlighting the importance of environmental literacy [
26]. A critical component of environmental literacy is community-based environmental education, which promotes grassroots engagement and enhances local sustainability efforts. Ref. [
27] argues that community-driven literacy programs in environmental management empower local populations to take active roles in ecological conservation, waste management, and sustainable development. Community-based education can be instrumental in bridging the gap between knowledge and action, ensuring that theoretical concepts translate into meaningful behaviors. One of the key challenges in environmental literacy is the intention–behavior gap, where individuals may possess knowledge and awareness but fail to translate these into sustainable behaviors. Research [
25] highlights this paradox, suggesting that while ecological knowledge is necessary, additional factors such as perceived behavioral control, social norms, and personal motivation significantly influence environmental actions. Theories such as the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Value–Belief–Norm Theory provide frameworks for understanding how environmental attitudes and norms shape individual behavior. Additionally, the role of educators and pedagogical approaches in fostering environmental literacy is vital. Ref. [
28] examines how environmental education content and pedagogical training for teachers shape ecological literacy, concluding that while basic instructional strategies are covered, there is a lack of practical and community-based engagement in many curricula. Enhancing teacher training programs to incorporate hands-on sustainability practices and experiential learning is critical to improving student engagement and long-term environmental commitment.
Furthermore, differentiated learning strategies have been identified as an effective approach to enhancing environmental literacy in diverse populations. Ref. [
29] discusses the benefits of differentiated learning in sustainable education, arguing that tailored instructional methods can improve cognitive engagement, critical thinking, and ecological literacy among students. This approach ensures that educational interventions address varying levels of environmental awareness and comprehension, ultimately leading to more effective sustainability outcomes. Finally, environmental journalism and media literacy play a complementary role in shaping public perceptions of environmental issues. Ref. [
30] highlights the importance of environmental communication, noting that media coverage of environmental concerns influences public discourse and policy decisions. The role of media in environmental literacy extends beyond information dissemination, shaping how individuals interpret and respond to ecological challenges.
Comparing these findings to Taiwan, it becomes evident that while environmental awareness is relatively high, the translation of knowledge into action is often hindered by structural and policy-related barriers. Unlike Europe and the US, where localized sustainability initiatives play a crucial role in shaping community engagement, Taiwan’s environmental education system primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge rather than hands-on environmental action skills [
16]. This gap underscores the need for a more integrative approach to environmental education in Taiwan, emphasizing skill development through community participation and real-world application. By drawing insights from international frameworks, policymakers can tailor interventions that foster stronger action skills and long-term pro-environmental behaviors. The concept of environmental literacy has evolved over time, with scholars emphasizing that it comprises multiple interrelated dimensions: awareness, knowledge, attitudes, action skills, and behavior. Each dimension plays a distinct role but is interconnected with others in driving sustainable actions.
3. Data Analysis and Key Findings
This section presents the results of the study, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and analysis of demographic factors. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to evaluate the conceptual framework, while descriptive statistics and inferential analyses were performed to assess differences across demographic groups.
3.1. Descriptive Statistics
The descriptive statistics provide an overview of the environmental literacy levels across the sample population.
Table 2 presents the demographic profile of the general public respondents in this study. The sample consists of an almost equal gender distribution, with 50.8% female and 49.2% male respondents. The age distribution reveals that the majority of participants fall within the 30–59 age range, accounting for over 65% of the total sample. Educational background indicates that more than half of the respondents (51.8%) have completed college or university education, while a smaller proportion (5.4%) have pursued graduate studies. In terms of occupation, the largest employment sectors include the service industry (30.8%) and agriculture, forestry, and fishery (30.6%), followed by manufacturing (15.6%). Additionally, 9% of respondents work in the education sector, while 10.2% are retired, homemakers, or unemployed. The sample includes a smaller representation from military/government staff (2.2%), finance and insurance (1%), and administrative roles (0.6%). This demographic breakdown provides insight into the diversity of the surveyed population and allows for a more comprehensive analysis of environmental literacy across different societal groups.
3.2. Measurement Results for Relevant Research Variables
Here are the tables for each of the five aspects of environmental literacy, including the questions asked for each aspect in the survey, along with their mean scores and standard deviations:
- A.
Environmental Awareness (EA)
The descriptive statistics for the Environmental Awareness variable, presented in
Table 3, provide insights into the respondents’ perceptions of environmental issues, their awareness of waste management practices, and their recognition of climate-related changes. The mean scores for awareness-related statements are relatively high, ranging between 3.76 and 4.60. The highest mean score (4.60, SD = 0.57) was observed for “I feel that climate anomalies have become more frequent in recent years,” suggesting strong public recognition of climate change impacts. Awareness of waste sorting and pollution issues was also high (M = 4.34, SD = 0.67), reflecting good public perception of environmental challenges in Chiayi County. However, the perceived reduction in illegal waste dumping received a lower mean score (M = 3.76, SD = 0.82), indicating that concerns about improper waste disposal still persist.
- B.
Environmental Knowledge (EK)
The descriptive analysis for the Environmental Knowledge variable, as shown in
Table 4, presents the percentage of correct responses to true/false questions, providing insights into the respondents’ understanding of key environmental concepts, policies, and pollution-related issues. Unlike other dimensions, environmental knowledge was assessed using factual multiple-choice questions rather than a Likert scale. The results reveal moderate levels of environmental knowledge, with correct response rates ranging from 29.2% to 83.6%. The lowest score (29.2%) was for understanding the benefits of food waste recycling, indicating gaps in public knowledge regarding waste management. On the other hand, 83.6% of respondents correctly identified the primary environmental pollution caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting stronger awareness of recent environmental concerns. These findings indicate that while general environmental awareness is strong, specific technical knowledge on environmental management and policies remains a challenge.
The complete list of survey questions, including multiple-choice options and correct answers for the Environmental Knowledge section, is provided in the
Supplementary Material for both original (Chinese) and translated (English) versions.
- C.
Environmental Attitudes (EAT)
The descriptive analysis for the Environmental Attitudes variable, as presented in
Table 5, highlights respondents’ perspectives on environmental protection, pollution prevention, and sustainable consumption. The results indicate a generally positive attitude toward environmental responsibility, with high mean scores across various statements related to waste reduction, climate change concerns, and eco-friendly product preferences. Attitudes toward environmental issues were generally positive, with mean scores ranging from 4.18 to 4.59. The strongest agreement was found for “Environmental pollution affects food safety” (M = 4.59, SD = 0.60), reflecting concerns over pollution’s impact on health and daily life. Respondents also showed strong support for reusable tableware (M = 4.48, SD = 0.67) and local/seasonal agricultural products (M = 4.51, SD = 0.68). However, attitudes toward using treated wastewater for irrigation were slightly lower (M = 4.18, SD = 0.66), possibly due to safety concerns or lack of public awareness on wastewater treatment technologies.
- D.
Environmental Action Skills (EAS)
The descriptive analysis for the Environmental Action Skills variable, as presented in
Table 6, assesses respondents’ competencies in performing various sustainability-related tasks, such as waste sorting, pollution reporting, and air quality interpretation. The results indicate that while basic environmental skills, such as recognizing eco-labels and differentiating waste types, scored relatively high, skills related to pollution documentation and reporting to authorities showed lower mean scores, suggesting areas where further environmental training may be beneficial. Compared to awareness and attitudes, environmental action skills were relatively lower, with mean scores ranging from 3.01 to 4.11. The lowest score (M = 3.01, SD = 0.82) was for documenting environmental pollution incidents, suggesting that many residents lack experience in reporting violations. Similarly, knowledge of how to report environmental pollution (M = 3.12, SD = 0.94) was also low, which highlights the need for public education on environmental reporting mechanisms. However, basic skills such as interpreting air quality indices (M = 4.11, SD = 0.88) and differentiating waste types (M = 3.96, SD = 0.83) were comparatively higher, suggesting that the public has some foundational skills but may need further training in active environmental monitoring and response.
- E.
Environmental Behavior (EB)
The descriptive analysis for the Environmental Behavior variable, as shown in
Table 7, evaluates respondents’ engagement in sustainable practices such as pollution prevention, recycling, and participation in environmental activities. The results indicate a generally high level of pro-environmental behavior, with the highest mean scores observed for actively learning about pollution prevention and waste recycling practices. However, engagement in community clean-up activities and attending environmental awareness events scored slightly lower, suggesting potential areas for increased public participation efforts. The final dimension, environmental behavior, had mean scores between 3.84 and 4.50, indicating moderate to high engagement in pro-environmental activities. The strongest agreement (M = 4.50, SD = 0.63) was for actively learning about environmental pollution prevention, suggesting that many respondents are willing to educate themselves on environmental issues. High scores were also found for waste recycling (M = 4.41, SD = 0.66) and community clean-up activities (M = 4.29, SD = 0.74). However, participation in environmental awareness events (M = 3.84, SD = 0.63) and willingness to purchase eco-friendly products even if they cost more (M = 3.94, SD = 0.66) were slightly lower, indicating that financial and convenience-related factors may influence pro-environmental behavior.
The descriptive analysis reveals high environmental awareness and positive attitudes among the general public in Chiayi County, but moderate environmental knowledge and relatively weaker action skills. While most respondents recognize environmental issues and express support for sustainability, gaps exist in technical knowledge and policy awareness, particularly in areas like waste management and pollution reporting. Pro-environmental behaviors, such as waste recycling and community participation, are relatively strong, but engagement in structured environmental programs and purchasing eco-friendly products is lower, likely due to perceived inconvenience and lack of policy awareness. These findings suggest that targeted educational interventions are needed to bridge the knowledge–action gap and improve practical environmental skills to enhance sustainable behavior.
3.3. Factor Analysis and Reliability Tests
To ensure construct validity, internal consistency, and dimensionality reduction, this study employed Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), reliability testing, and correlation analysis. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method was applied to assess the underlying structure of each research construct. Cronbach’s α and the correlation matrix were used to evaluate the internal consistency and reliability of the measured variables. Several statistical criteria were considered to ensure robustness in measurement.
For factor analysis, an eigenvalue greater than 1 was required, and factor loadings had to meet or exceed 0.5 to be considered significant. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure of sampling adequacy had to surpass 0.5 to confirm data suitability for factor analysis. Additionally, Bartlett’s test of sphericity was conducted to assess whether the correlation matrix was statistically significant, ensuring that the dataset met the necessary assumptions for factor extraction. For reliability analysis, the item–total correlation for each item was required to be above 0.3, and Cronbach’s α had to be greater than 0.7 to confirm the reliability of the construct measurements. These criteria ensured that each construct maintained adequate internal consistency, supporting the validity of the measurement scales used in this study.
- A.
Environmental Awareness (EA)
The Environmental Awareness construct was assessed using eight measurement items, with the results of the factor analysis and reliability test presented in
Table 8. Bartlett’s test of sphericity produced a significant result, χ
2 (n = 500) = 864.054,
p < 0.001, confirming that the dataset was suitable for factor analysis. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.754, exceeding the minimum threshold of 0.5, validating the dataset’s appropriateness for factor extraction. The total variance explained by the extracted factor was 37.86%, indicating that a significant portion of the variance was accounted for by the construct.
For reliability testing, Cronbach’s α was calculated and found to be 0.759, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.7, which confirmed strong internal consistency among the measurement items.
- B.
Environmental Attitudes (EAT)
The Environmental Attitudes (EAT) construct was initially assessed using eight measurement items; however, EAT3 was removed from the analysis, as its factor loading was below 0.5, indicating that it did not significantly contribute to the construct. The results of the factor analysis and reliability test are presented in
Table 9. Bartlett’s test of sphericity produced a significant result, χ
2 (n = 500) = 434.346,
p < 0.001, confirming that the dataset was suitable for factor analysis. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.695, exceeding the minimum threshold of 0.5, validating the dataset’s appropriateness for factor extraction. The total variance explained by the extracted factor was 33.346%, indicating that a significant portion of the variance was accounted for by the construct.
For reliability testing, Cronbach’s α was calculated and found to be 0.704, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.7, which confirmed strong internal consistency among the measurement items.
- C.
Environmental Action Skills (EAS)
The Environmental Action Skills (EAS) construct was initially assessed using eight measurement items; however, EAS6 was removed from the analysis, as its factor loading was below 0.5, indicating that it did not significantly contribute to the construct. The results of the factor analysis and reliability test are presented in
Table 10. Bartlett’s test of sphericity produced a significant result, χ
2 (n = 500) = 1620.285,
p < 0.001, confirming that the dataset was suitable for factor analysis. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.817, exceeding the minimum threshold of 0.5, validating the dataset’s appropriateness for factor extraction. The total variance explained by the extracted factor was 53.398%, indicating that a significant portion of the variance was accounted for by the construct.
For reliability testing, Cronbach’s α was calculated and found to be 0.852, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.7, which confirmed strong internal consistency among the measurement items after the removal of EAS6.
- D.
Environmental Behavior (EB)
The Environmental Behavior (EB) construct was initially assessed using eight measurement items; however, EB2 and EB4 were removed from the analysis, as their factor loadings were below 0.5, indicating that they did not significantly contribute to the construct. The results of the factor analysis and reliability test are presented in
Table 11. Bartlett’s test of sphericity produced a significant result, χ
2 (n = 500) = 563.908,
p < 0.001, confirming that the dataset was suitable for factor analysis. The KMO measure of sampling adequacy was 0.829, exceeding the minimum threshold of 0.5, validating the dataset’s appropriateness for factor extraction. The total variance explained by the extracted factor was 44.958%, indicating that a significant portion of the variance was accounted for by the construct.
For reliability testing, Cronbach’s α was calculated and found to be 0.754, exceeding the recommended threshold of 0.7, which confirmed strong internal consistency among the measurement items after the removal of EB2 and EB4.
To provide a comparative overview of the five dimensions of environmental literacy,
Table 12 presents a summary of the mean scores, standard deviations, and Cronbach’s alpha values for each construct. This comparison highlights the relative strengths and weaknesses of each dimension and assesses their internal consistency. The results indicate that Environmental Awareness, Action Skills, and Behavior have acceptable internal reliability (Cronbach’s α > 0.7), suggesting that the measurement items within these constructs are consistent. Environmental Attitudes shows a slightly lower Cronbach’s alpha (0.66), indicating moderate reliability.
The results in
Table 12 suggest that respondents exhibit relatively strong environmental attitudes and awareness, as indicated by high mean scores (above 4.2 on a 5-point scale). However, the lower mean score for Environmental Action Skills (3.53) suggests that while individuals may support environmental initiatives, they may lack the practical competencies required for active engagement.
To assess the potential impact of common method variance (CMV), we conducted Harman’s Single-Factor Test. The results indicated that the first factor accounted for only 15.55% of the total variance, which is well below the 50% threshold that would suggest a significant CMV issue. This suggests that common method bias is not a concern in this study. In addition to this statistical check, procedural remedies such as ensuring respondent anonymity, using mixed question formats, and separating independent and dependent variables in the survey design were implemented to further reduce potential bias.
3.4. Hierarchical Regression Analysis
The results of the hierarchical regression analysis (
Table 13) confirm that all six direct hypotheses (H1–H6) are supported, demonstrating strong relationships between environmental literacy dimensions. H1 shows that environmental awareness significantly predicts environmental knowledge (β = 0.45,
p < 0.001), indicating that individuals who are more aware of environmental challenges tend to acquire greater factual knowledge about these issues. This reinforces the importance of awareness campaigns in promoting informed decision-making regarding sustainability. The findings for H2 reveal that environmental knowledge has a strong positive effect on environmental attitudes (β = 0.39,
p < 0.001). This suggests that individuals with a higher understanding of environmental concepts and policies are more likely to develop favorable attitudes toward environmental conservation. H3 and H4 examine the role of knowledge and attitudes in shaping action skills, showing that both knowledge (β = 0.28,
p < 0.001) and attitudes (β = 0.31,
p < 0.001) significantly influence environmental action skills. This highlights the fact that technical understanding alone is insufficient—positive attitudes also play a crucial role in motivating individuals to acquire the practical skills necessary for environmental engagement.
The most significant predictor of environmental behavior is environmental action skills (H5: β = 0.42, p < 0.001), suggesting that individuals who possess practical sustainability skills are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behavior. This finding is critical because it confirms that developing hands-on capabilities, such as waste sorting, pollution monitoring, and sustainable consumption practices, directly translates into behavioral changes. Lastly, H6 shows that environmental attitudes also positively influence environmental behavior (β = 0.25, p < 0.001), but its effect is weaker compared to action skills. This implies that while positive attitudes contribute to behavioral engagement, their impact is significantly enhanced when paired with practical environmental competencies. Overall, these results emphasize the importance of structured environmental education programs that not only raise awareness and knowledge but also focus on skill development. Policy interventions should aim to strengthen environmental action skills through interactive workshops, practical demonstrations, and hands-on sustainability initiatives to maximize the likelihood of behavioral change. These findings provide strong empirical support for a comprehensive environmental literacy framework in which awareness fosters knowledge, knowledge shapes attitudes, attitudes drive action skills, and action skills ultimately determine environmental behavior.
3.5. Moderation Test
The moderation analysis results (
Table 14) confirm that all four moderation hypotheses (H7–H10) are supported, indicating that demographic factors significantly influence the strength of relationships between environmental literacy components. The results for H7 confirm that education level moderates the relationship between environmental knowledge and environmental attitudes (β = 0.21,
p < 0.001). This suggests that individuals with higher education are more likely to translate environmental knowledge into stronger pro-environmental attitudes, reinforcing the role of formal education in shaping sustainability perspectives. Education enhances critical thinking and awareness, allowing individuals to develop a deeper understanding of ecological issues and policy implications. The findings for H8 show that gender moderates the relationship between environmental attitudes and action skills (β = 0.15,
p < 0.001). Women exhibit a stronger connection between their environmental attitudes and practical sustainability skills, which is consistent with studies showing that women are generally more engaged in sustainability-related practices. This suggests that targeted programs encouraging skill development among different gender groups could enhance overall environmental action capabilities. The results for H9 reveal that age moderates the relationship between environmental awareness and knowledge (β = 0.18,
p < 0.001). Older individuals show a stronger awareness-to-knowledge connection, likely due to their accumulated life experiences and historical exposure to environmental issues. While younger individuals may have higher exposure to formal environmental education, older respondents rely on real-world observations and lived experiences to reinforce their environmental knowledge. This highlights the need for multi-generational environmental education strategies that leverage both formal education and experiential learning. Finally, H10 confirms that occupation moderates the relationship between environmental action skills and behavior (β = 0.22,
p < 0.001). Individuals in environment-related professions (such as agriculture, environmental management, or education) are more likely to apply their skills in real-world scenarios, strengthening the link between skills and behavior. This suggests that job-related experiences provide opportunities for sustainability engagement, emphasizing the role of workplace environmental initiatives and professional development programs in promoting sustainable behavior.
The moderation analysis confirms that education, gender, age, and occupation significantly influence the relationships between different dimensions of environmental literacy. Higher education levels strengthen the link between environmental knowledge and attitudes, suggesting that formal education enhances individuals’ ability to internalize sustainability principles and develop stronger pro-environmental perspectives. Gender differences reveal that women exhibit a stronger connection between attitudes and action skills, indicating that they are more likely to translate their environmental concerns into practical competencies. Age plays a crucial role in moderating the relationship between awareness and knowledge, with older individuals demonstrating a stronger ability to convert environmental awareness into factual knowledge, likely due to their accumulated life experiences. Additionally, occupation influences the relationship between environmental action skills and behavior, as individuals working in environment-related fields are more likely to apply their skills to real-world sustainability practices. These findings suggest that environmental literacy development is not uniform across demographic groups and requires targeted interventions. Strengthening environmental education at various academic levels, promoting skill-based sustainability training, integrating generational knowledge-sharing strategies, and incorporating workplace sustainability initiatives can enhance the effectiveness of environmental policies and education programs. By addressing these demographic influences, policymakers and educators can design more inclusive and impactful environmental engagement strategies that encourage long-term sustainable behavior.