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What Does Sustainability Mean? Perceptions of Future Professionals across Disciplines

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  • Andrea Beatriz Damico

    (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy
    Faculty of Agricultural Science, National University of Lomas de Zamora, Ruta Provincial 4 Km 2, Llavallol, Buenos Aires B1836, Argentina)

  • José María Aulicino

    (Faculty of Agricultural Science, National University of Lomas de Zamora, Ruta Provincial 4 Km 2, Llavallol, Buenos Aires B1836, Argentina)

  • Jorgelina Di Pasquale

    (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Piano D’Accio, 64100 Teramo, Italy)

Abstract

Given the negative externalities of the traditional productive system, sustainable development has become a productive alternative that attempts to improve the quality of life of present and future generations. The aim of this research was to understand the degree of perception and knowledge of sustainability of university students attending different courses, who represent future Argentinian professionals. A survey was conducted on a representative sample of those enrolled in the faculties of Agricultural, Economic, and Social Sciences of the National University of Lomas de Zamora, Buenos Aires. The results showed that, in terms of awareness, the environmental dimension of sustainability stands out above the others. Sustainability involves preserving natural resources, favoring biodiversity, reducing environmental risks, and finding a balance between the development of humanity and care for the environment. Only 10% of the respondents identified the three sustainability dimensions contemporaneously, and most of these individuals were not informed through university courses. No substantial differences were found in the knowledge of sustainability among students of different faculties. Universities, as trainers of professionals and leaders, should further develop the subject in their curricula, to improve knowledge of sustainability, so that graduates can better face future professional challenges. Similarly, students should strive to know about sustainability and its components to defend and improve it in all areas of work.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrea Beatriz Damico & José María Aulicino & Jorgelina Di Pasquale, 2022. "What Does Sustainability Mean? Perceptions of Future Professionals across Disciplines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:15:p:9650-:d:881250
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    Cited by:

    1. Cecilia Smaniotto & Anna Saramin & Laura Brunelli & Maria Parpinel, 2022. "Insights and Next Challenges for the Italian Educational System to Teach Sustainability in a Global Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Andrea Beatriz Damico & Margherita Masi & José María Aulicino & Yari Vecchio & Jorgelina Di Pasquale, 2022. "The Knowledge and Perception of Sustainability in Livestock Systems: Evidence from Future Professionals in Italy and Argentina," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-16, December.

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