An examination of environmental knowledge, environmental attitudes, and behaviors of Sinop residents

The aim of this study is to determine the environmental knowledge, environmental attitudes, and environmental behaviors of individuals over the age of 18 living in the central district of Sinop. In this context, a descriptive research design was adopted, which is one of the quantitative research methods, and data was collected through a survey from 402 individuals living in the central district of Sinop. SPSS software was used in the analysis of the data, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied. As a result of the analysis, significant factor structures related to environmental awareness, environmental attitudes, and environmental behaviors were obtained. According to the analysis results, it was observed that the Rainforest Knowledge Sub-dimension of the Environmental Awareness Scale differed in males according to gender, while the Genetic Knowledge Sub-dimension and Nuclear Energy Knowledge Sub-dimension differed in females according to gender. It was observed that there was a significant difference in the Global Warming Knowledge Sub-dimension and the Environmental Cognitive Attitude Sub-dimension of those who were members of an environmental association. While there was a significant difference between the Global Warming Knowledge Sub-dimension of those who had attended training or seminars on the environment in the last two years, the Knowledge Sub-dimension of Renewable Energy Obtaining was higher in those who did not attend. Participants in any environmental activity had higher levels of global warming awareness and pro-environmental behavior. Membership in an environmental association, participation in environmental training or seminars, and participation in any environmental activity have been shown to increase individuals' environmental awareness, which in turn fosters positive environmental attitudes and leads to more frequent pro-environmental behavior. In this context, the study demonstrates the impact of environmental education and awareness-raising activities on behavior and offers important implications for environmental policies.