Towards a Sustainable Future: Understanding Awareness and Sustainable Practice Gaps in India

Climate change is a global issue faced by countries across the globe. Environmental sustainability ensures that the environment is preserved and used wisely, preventing it from being overused as a resource. Environmental degradation poses a pressing challenge to global sustainability, with India experiencing significant socio-economic and ecological consequences. This study explores how public awareness influences sustainable practices and climate resilience. The primary data from 146 urban students and young professionals across India were analyzed through Spearman’s Rank Correlation and the findings reveal a moderate positive correlation, suggesting that while awareness supports sustainability, it is not by itself sufficient to guarantee behavioral change. While respondents recognize environmental challenges, their adoption of eco-friendly practices remains inconsistent and limited. The study highlights the persistent awareness–action gap and the need for a multifaceted approach involving strengthened environmental laws. It also highlights the need for integrated policies and global cooperation to achieve a sustainable future for India.