Greening through Economics: Does Environmental Economics Enhance Pro-Environmental Behaviour?

Abstract

Abstract Environmental economics, a subfield of economics, is one of the frameworks developed for understanding and addressing environmental issues. However, the extent to which exposure to such coursework influences students’ real-world environmental behaviour remains underexplored. This study, therefore, sought to assess whether taking an environmental economics translates into tangible pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs) among students, using Kwara State University as a case study. Drawing on Knowledge-Attitude-Behaviour Theory and using a survey-based approach, data were collected from students of economics within the university. A stratified random sample of 202 students of economics was selected—93 in parts 3 and 4 (who had taken environmental economics) and 109 in parts 1 and 2 (who had not taken environmental economics). Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Ordinary Least Squares regression model, and multivariate logit model. The findings reveal that taking environmental economics significantly influenced PEBs and that students exposed to environmental economics engaged more in energy conservation, proper waste disposal, reusing and environmental advocacy than other PEBs. The study also found that socioeconomic factors had a moderating effect on the relationship. The study underscores the importance of integrating environmental economics into economics curricula to promote sustainability. It also highlights the need for institutional support, such as improved access to recycling facilities and campus-wide environmental campaigns, to enhance PEBs.