Gen-z's readiness for renewable energy: Analysis of high school students' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes

Authors

  • Nila Mutia Dewi Universitas Jember, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Rif'ati Dina Handayani Universitas Jember, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia
  • Umi Uswatun Khasanah Universitas Jember, Indonesia
    ID Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v4i3.204

Keywords:

Attitude, High school students, Knowledge, Perception, Renewable energy

Abstract

The transition to alternative energy sources is one of the key strategies for mitigating climate change. However, empirical research on the readiness of secondary school students in developing countries such as Indonesia remains limited, meaning that our understanding of the role of cognitive knowledge in shaping pro-environmental readiness is still inadequate. This study aims to examine the levels of knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of high school students regarding renewable energy in Indonesia. Additionally, it explores the relationship between their knowledge levels and attitudes. To achieve these objectives, quantitative research was conducted among 496 high school students in East Java Province using convenience sampling. Data were initially gathered using a validated knowledge test followed by a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire for perceptions and attitudes. The data were subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. The result showed that 60 percent of the students were at a high level of knowledge. Meanwhile, students’ perception was mixed, with some expressing uncertainty about the preparedness of the renewable energy technology in Indonesia. Their attitude was generally positive but was constrained by cost factors. The most important result of this study was a very weak but statistically significant positive correlation between knowledge and attitude. This result showed that knowledge alone was not sufficient to bring about a pro-environmental attitude. This was the reason to consider introducing more contextual learning on renewable energy.

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Published

22-08-2026

How to Cite

Dewi, N. M., Handayani, R. D., & Khasanah, U. U. (2026). Gen-z’s readiness for renewable energy: Analysis of high school students’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes. Journal of Environment and Sustainability Education, 4(3), 551–560. https://doi.org/10.62672/joease.v4i3.204

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 3 (2026)

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Articles

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