A Pilot Study about the Green Transformation Knowledge of Students from Bulgaria and Romania

The green transition, which aims to achieve a sustainable economy, has become a central issue in the modern world. However, sustainability is a multidimensional concept that requires an integrated approach that covers environmental, economic, and social aspects. Therefore, changes in economic and social systems are needed to achieve a successful green transition. The challenges to this transition are related to inequalities in society, consumer habits and the need to increase the knowledge and skills of all stakeholders. This pilot study aims to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness of students from Romania and Bulgaria regarding green transformation. The research was conducted to assess students’ understanding of various environmental issues, including renewable energy, sustainable consumption, waste management and environmental legislation. This would allow addressing the deficit of green skills by creating an innovative educational program in the field of sustainability, as well as developing joint curricula that meet these needs. The results reveal a significant level of awareness among students about the importance of environmental protection and sustainable practices. However, there are also areas where there are gaps in knowledge, especially regarding specific technical aspects of green technologies and the impact of individual actions on the environment. The findings highlight the need for further education and awareness-raising initiatives to empower students to become active agents of change in the transition to a sustainable future.