Environmental Awareness and Pro-Environmental Behavior: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

This systematic literature review examines research on environmental awareness and pro-environmental behavior, with particular attention to the awareness–behavior gap, publication development, thematic patterns, and future research priorities. The manuscript's existing PRISMA diagram reports 161 included records, and its publication-trend figure covers 2016–2026. Descriptive publication analysis and VOSviewer keyword co-occurrence mapping identify five interconnected themes spanning sustainability transformation, psychological and social influences, measurement and population characteristics, sustainable practices, and circular economy. Across the cited literature, awareness is relevant but does not necessarily translate into observable action; attitudes, norms, perceived control, moral responsibility, institutional support, and practical constraints merit consideration. Given the descriptive nature of the review, the keyword network cannot establish causal pathways. Priority research directions include longitudinal and experimental tests of integrated Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), Value-Belief-Norm (VBN), and Norm Activation Model (NAM) constructs against measured waste reduction, resource conservation, and sustainable purchasing. Such work can inform Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on responsible consumption and production and SDG 13 on climate action. Keywords: Environmental awareness; Pro-environmental behavior; Systematic literature review; Sustainability; Environmental psychology.