The sensibility about the environmental problems and environmental consciousness (The case of Afyonkarahisar)

While some people are sensitive towards the environmental problems which are increasingly getting worse, others are indifferent to them. This indifference and thus the lack of environmental consciousness in society have a negative impact on determining policies for the solution of the problems in question.The aim of this thesis is to try to determine the level of sensitivity and environmental consciousness of the residents living in the Central Province of Afyonkarahisar within the framework of general environmental problems and to present policies which can help local and central authorities with regard to the elimination of environmental problems. In addition, promoting individual and community consciousness about environmental problems is one of the objectives.In the light of these thoughts, a survey has been carried out on a total of 468 people in an effort to analyze the interest and sensitivity of the people towards the environmental problems taking place in the Central Province of Afyonkarahisar. In the assessment carried out with regard to the environmental problems encountered by the people in our survey and the solutions they suggest, distinctive features such as gender, age, occupation, educational status and the places they live have been taken into consideration. Although the people participating in the survey live in the same city, their interest and sensitivity levels toward environmental problems differ.In order to be effective and successful in solving environmental problems, it is critical that local administrations have the necessary sense of responsibility and sensitivity as well as the legislations issued by the central government and local people acquire a certain degree of sensitivity with education.Key Words: Environment, Environmental Problems, Pollution, Environmental Sensitiveness, Environmental Consciousness.