REGARDING ECOLOGY : A STUDY OF ECO-CONSCIOUSNESS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to explore the ecological knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices among three age-cohorts of Singaporeans --- the adolescents, young and matured adults. It also seeks to understand the factors that are likely to influence the different responses to ecological issues. The study reveals that although higher ecological awareness is associated with the young cohort, the educated adults exhibit more concern for ecological problems. While the adolescents are more likely to welcome individual (self) responsibility toward ecological preservation, the older generation tend to pass the responsibility elsewhere. Yet, ironically, the older respondents associate ecological issues with their own health issues. Additionally, findings suggest that education could play an important role in shaping one's ecological awareness and practices, although it may not have a strong impact on one's concern for ecological problems. This study also indicates that there is a positive change in the direction of Singaporeans' ecological practices.