Hubungan Pengetahuan, Sikap, dan Tindakan dengan Jejak Karbon yang Dihasilkan oleh Generasi Z Universitas Sumatera Utara Tahun 2025

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities accumulate in the atmosphere, contributing to the increase in the Earth's surface temperature and causing global warming. Generation Z, currently the dominant demographic group in Indonesia, can significantly influence the carbon footprint. This study aims to examine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and actions and the carbon footprint produced by Generation Z students at the Universitas Sumatera Utara. This research employed an analytical survey with a cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of Generation Z students from the 2021 intake at the Universitas Sumatera Utara. A total of 80 students were selected using a cluster random sampling method. The data obtained were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The results showed that the majority of students were female (70.0%), most were from the Faculty of Agriculture (13.8%), and the vast majority came from Sumatra (97.5%). Half of the students (50.0%) had a monthly allowance ranging from IDR 500.000 to IDR 1.000.000 Most students (75.0%) had a high carbon footprint. Regarding cognitive and behavioral aspects, 55.0% had good knowledge, 51.2% had a positive attitude, and 67.5% demonstrated poor actions. The Chi square analysis revealed a significant relationship between actions and the carbon footprint (p=0.013). However, there was no significant relationship between knowledge (p=0.604) or attitudes (p=0.053) and the carbon footprint. Based on these findings, it is recommended to increase awareness through tangible actions that focus on understanding and managing individual carbon footprints. By recognizing the carbon footprint one produces, individuals can contribute to reducing global warming through preventive personal efforts.