Comparative analysis of university students' attitudes and awareness towards environmental pollution and electromagnetic pollution

Since Environmental issues became part of the international political agenda in the second half of the 20th century due to the global rise and noticeable impact of pollution, the excessive consumption of natural resources, damage to ecosystems, and growing concerns about the sustainability of the planet. The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in 1972 marked a turning point in addressing environmental issues at the international level. Since then, many policy recommendations and cooperation efforts have been initiated. The transboundary nature of pollution has caused local problems to generate global impacts, making it necessary to address environmental pollution within a framework of global responsibility. In this context, providing a qualified and comprehensive environmental education has become one of the prioritized policy areas. The aim of this study, conducted within this framework, is to determine the attitudes of undergraduate students in Turkey towards environmental pollution (taking into account their previous educational experiences) and their level of awareness regarding the conscious use of technological devices that emit electromagnetic pollution. The research was designed using the descriptive survey method and was carried out on a sample of students from various departments at Osmaniye Korkut Ata University. Data were collected using two different scales, considering variables such as participants' demographic characteristics, socio-economic status, participation in environmental education and activities, interaction time with electromagnetic devices, and their knowledge levels about environmental pollution and electromagnetic fields. The findings revealed that while students' attitudes toward environmental pollution were high and positive, their attitudes towards the conscious use of devices that emit electromagnetic pollution were at a moderate and suboptimal level. As a result of the study, it was concluded that instead of indirect content on environmental topics, environmental-themed courses should be directly included in the curriculum during the education process. Additionally, it is recommended that environmental issues be supported not only through theoretical but also practical education, and that a comprehensive educational campaign be launched across society starting from early childhood to raise environmental awareness. The study also emphasizes that sanctions against individuals and institutions polluting the environment should not be limited to financial penalties alone, as this could lead to the perception that pollution can be legitimized by paying its economic cost.