KONTRIBUSI PENCEMARAN UDARA SUMBER TRANSPORTASI DAN PERILAKU MITIGASI PADA MAHASISWA DI FAKULTAS KESEHATAN MASYARAKAT UNIVERSITAS SUMATERA UTARA

Abstract

Air pollution is currently largely caused by the transportation sector, which is the second-largest contributor after the energy sector in Indonesia. The impacts of this pollution not only harm the environment but also pose serious health risks. Mitigation efforts are needed, particularly from academics such as university students. As an educated group, students play an important role in supporting air pollution mitigation efforts, especially through behavioral changes in using more environmentally friendly modes of transportation. This study aims to analyze the contribution of transportation-related air pollution and mitigation behavior among students of the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara. This research employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive method. A Accidental Sampling technique was used with 93 respondents, all of whom were private vehicle users. The instrument used was a questionnaire covering three main variables: knowledge, attitude, and mitigation action. The research results show that 87.1% of students are female, 33.3% are 21 years old, 87.1% have pocket money of Rp. 500,000 – Rp. 2,750,000, 83.9% use motorcycles, 71% use them 5-6 days/week, and 73.1% use Pertalite fuel. The average distance traveled by students is 78,494 km per week, the average fuel consumption is 7.819 liters per week, the average weekly fuel cost is Rp105,903.23, the average CO₂ emissions produced are 0.74784 tons per year, with a minimum of 0.038 tons and a maximum of 2.89 tons. Most students (60.2%) had good knowledge levels, 89.2% showed a positive attitude, while 52.7% demonstrated moderate mitigation behavior. It is recommended that the faculty support educational efforts by integrating relevant materials and providing opportunities for students to apply their knowledge through climate change mitigation projects.