The Impact of Media in Environmental Education in Jos Metropolis

Abstract

The media have become a critical force in shaping public awareness and behavior concerning environmental sustainability. This study examines the impact of media on environmental education in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. It specifically explores the extent to which media exposure influences environmental knowledge, attitudes, and practices among residents. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 400 respondents across Jos North, Jos South, and Jos East through structured questionnaires. The findings reveal that radio, television, and social media are the most influential platforms in environmental communication, significantly enhancing public awareness of issues such as waste management, pollution control, and climate change. However, the study also identifies a persistent gap between environmental knowledge and actual behavioral practice, influenced by irregular programming, low funding, and weak institutional support. The study concludes that the media play a vital role in environmental education but require sustained collaboration with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community groups to ensure that awareness translates into tangible environmental actions.