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Review article - Peer-reviewed, 2011

Chinese university students' knowledge and attitudes regarding forest bio-energy

Qu, Mei; Ahponen, Pirkkoliisa; Tahvanainen, Liisa; Gritten, David; Mola Yudego, Blas; Pelkonen, Paavo

Abstract

The present study examines Chinese university students' attitudes and knowledge regarding energy, specifically towards forest bio-energy in their country. The study was based on opinions of students from Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University (NWAFU) in China and it was conducted using a questionnaire completed by 441 students. The students' attitudes are seen as highly relevant because they are considered as both potential consumers and possible experts in the field of bio-energy. Their activities influence how the future energy markets will likely develop. The results revealed various interesting facets of the students' views regarding energy usage. Of particular interest is the students' positive attitude towards renewable energy in general, but slightly less positive towards forest bio-energy. However, the respondents expected to receive more information and knowledge about renewable energy and forest bio-energy. Moreover, it can be concluded that the dissemination of knowledge through different sources (e.g. teaching in school, information available on the Internet and other media channels) is an increasingly important aspect regarding energy issues. The results of this study can provide information of the perceptions of young educated people on energy policy issues and thus serve political decision-making processes for the future options concerning the development of forest bio-energy in China. Finally, the outcome of this study indicates that further environmental and energy education in China is urgently needed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Bio-energy education; Student attitudes; Energy policy

Published in

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews
2011, Volume: 15, number: 8, pages: 3649-3657
Publisher: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

    SLU Authors

    Sustainable Development Goals

    SDG7 Affordable and clean energy
    SDG4 Quality education

    UKÄ Subject classification

    Forest Science
    Social Sciences
    Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use
    Renewable Bioenergy Research
    Economics and Business

    Publication Identifiers

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2011.07.002

    Permanent link to this page (URI)

    https://res.slu.se/id/publ/45923