Agricultural and Biological Research

Media and information literacy as predictors of environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation behavior among school of teacher education students: A structural equation modeling approach

Janet D. Barrera*

Environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and increasing anthropogenic pressures on natural ecosystems continue to threaten ecological stability and sustainable development worldwide. Addressing these challenges requires not only technological innovation and environmental policies but also the active participation of individuals in environmentally responsible behaviors. College students represent a critical population for environmental sustainability because they constitute future educators, researchers, policymakers, agricultural practitioners, and community leaders whose decisions will influence environmental outcomes. Understanding the factors that encourage environmental stewardship among young adults is therefore essential for advancing conservation and sustainability initiatives. This study investigates the influence of media literacy and information literacy on pro-environmental behavior among college students through tructural Equation Modeling (SEM). The research examines four dimensions of environmental behavior: Conservation lifestyle, land stewardship, social environmental engagement, and environmental citizenship. Media literacy refers to the ability to critically analyze, interpret, and evaluate environmental information disseminated through traditional and digital media platforms, whereas information literacy encompasses the skills required to identify, retrieve, evaluate, and utilize information effectively. The study is situated within the broader context of agricultural and biological research, emphasizing the role of environmental literacy in promoting ecological sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and responsible natural resource management. Drawing upon social cognitive theory, environmental literacy theory, and behavioral change models, the study proposes that literacy competencies significantly influence environmental attitudes and behavioral intentions.