Authors: Dr Vijay Kumar Mishra
Abstract: Environmental degradation has emerged as one of the most significant social challenges of the twenty-first century. Climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, increasing waste generation and unsustainable patterns of consumption are affecting societies across the world. In India, these challenges are closely associated with processes of urbanisation, industrialisation, technological transformation, population growth and changing lifestyles. Within this context, young people occupy a particularly important position because they constitute a major social force capable of influencing consumption patterns, community practices, public discourse and future policy processes. This paper examines environmental awareness and sustainable development among Indian youth from a sociological perspective. It analyses the relationship between environmental knowledge, attitudes, values, socialisation and environmentally responsible behaviour. The paper also discusses the role of education, family, peer groups, social media, civil society organisations, educational institutions and government initiatives in developing environmental consciousness among young people. Particular attention is given to the gap between environmental awareness and actual behaviour. The paper argues that environmental awareness cannot be understood merely as an individual's knowledge of environmental problems. It is socially produced through institutions, cultural values, economic conditions and patterns of interaction. Sustainable development therefore requires not only technological solutions but also changes in social behaviour, collective participation, environmental citizenship and social institutions. The paper concludes that empowering youth through education, participation, community engagement and green skills can strengthen India's transition towards a more sustainable and socially inclusive society.
DOI: https://zenodo.org/records/23015437
