The idea of human pressure on nature is a highly important topic, as every single one of us has an impact on the planet. The purpose of the presented research was to collect data according to attitudes and habits of the population of Sao Miguel, the biggest island of the Azores, and also to become acquainted with the level of the impact of the islanders. In this paper, different elements of sociology and ecology (both qualitative and quantitative, since this discipline permits the allowance of different techniques) are used for the purpose of gathering information about the awareness of the population about ecological matters, using sociological questionnaire. We have chosen the questionnaire method in order to collect data, because it obtains information from a large number of people to learn about trends; this method is objective, efficient and reliable, it allows an honest and open participation, also enables to create statistics, and helps in creating a general tendency. 257 islanders have been involved and have completed the questionnaires: two types were available – one for the adult population, and one for children. 206 individuals have completed the adult version: the average age of the respondents being 27 year; the youngest informant of this type is 13 years old, while the oldest 67 years old. Fortunately during the last decades, more and more people have realized, that only we, people can do something for the resuscitation of the nature, and the time for this action is now. Awareness is increasing, more and more laws and regulations are installed, in order to save what can still be saved. According to the general view, nothing is lost, but urgent actions and changes are needed. These changes have to be done by the biggest and most populated countries in the first place, but the cooperation of the smallest household is also needed. If we start only with small things, like using cars less, having an own shopping bag, separation of waste and recycling, replacing only when it is needed, being more environmentally conscious, take care of water and electricity usage, having solar panels, but most important of all: become aware that the planet is our friend, and not a tool; we should help its cycle and not obstruct it. The most important thing however to teach the youngest generation the environmental issues, the importance of recycling, and the recyclable materials. They have a highly important role in the future ecological situation. It was found that some of the respondents are willing to change their habits, making them more sustainable and have a good environmental awareness.
Keywords: human pressure; climate change; sustainability; recycling; questionnaire
2b. Educating for sustainability
