Fostering environmental awareness through education in society to achieve the sustainable development goals: A systematic literature review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61511/educo.v2i1.2025.3127Keywords:
environmental awareness, education, society, sustainable developmentAbstract
Background: This study aims to systematically examine the interconnection between education, environmental awareness, and sustainable development by analyzing 13 empirical articles indexed in Scopus from 2020 to 2025. Previous research has demonstrated that educational approaches integrated with sustainability principles can enhance critical thinking, ecological literacy, and public participation in environmental issues. Methods: This study applies a bibliometric and systematic review approach using Scopus data, VOSviewer analysis, and PRISMA guidelines. Articles were screened through defined inclusion criteria, quality appraisal, and thematic coding to synthesize research trends in sustainability education. Findings: The synthesis reveals that the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is most effective when experiential learning approaches, such as project-based learning and service learning, are combined with reflections on social values and local contexts. Educators serve as key agents of transformation; however, the success of ESD largely depends on self-efficacy, continuous professional development, and sufficient institutional and policy support. At the institutional level, programs such as adiwiyata schools and green campuses have proven effective in fostering an ecological culture when supported by community participation and systemic policies. Meanwhile, the gap between knowledge and action remains a major challenge in promoting sustainable behavior. Conclusion: This review concludes that education holds strategic potential as a catalyst for social transformation when supported by adaptive policies, long-term evaluation, and cross-sector collaboration. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this study lies in the integration of bibliometric analysis and systematic review to map global research patterns on environmental awareness education, providing a comprehensive understanding of education’s role as a driving force for sustainability within the SDGs framework.
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