The Influence of Climate Change Awareness on Energy-Saving Behaviors Among Urban Households

Abstract

Climate change awareness means knowing how the environment is changing and taking action to protect it. In the Philippines, many people are aware of environmental issues, but there is still a gap between what they know and what they actually do at home. This study examined how climate change awareness affects energy-saving behaviors among 100 college students at UM Panabo College. This study is anchored to SDGs 7, 11, 13, and 17 by integrating renewable energy and multi-stakeholder partnerships to reduce emissions in urban and rural communities. It utilized a descriptive - correlational design with a validated questionnaire. Students were chosen fairly from different departments. Results showed very high levels of climate change awareness with a mean of 4.45 and SD of 0.29, and energy-saving behaviors with a mean of 4.38 and SD of 0.36, both interpreted as Strongly Agree. Risk behaviors recorded the highest mean at 4.54 and SD of 0.43. A positive relationship exists between awareness and consumption where r = 0.610 and R² = 0.3721, showing that students with better environmental understanding are more likely to practice energy-saving behaviors. Urban residents should adhere to collective action, while policymakers, and institutions should provide more support, while schools should help students turn their knowledge into permanent habits. Future researchers can also look into other things that make people act for the environment.