ADULTS’ PERSPECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN THE ISLAND OF RHODES

The general objective of advanced countries is sustainable development, as a current and future issue, while the indicators that mark the degree of success in this direction depend on a wide range of social, economic, and political processes and decisions. For these reasons, a field study was conducted concerning adultsin Rhodes’sarea duringNovember and December 2020. It was implemented with the use of a structured closed-ended questionnaire and sent to 460 adults by e-mail. The sample of the study consists of 159 participants, who sufficiently completed the data investigations. The questions were about demographicswith the selection of distinct answers, and Likert-scale answers. Using the statistical tool SPSS 23, data from the study were collected which are presented as percentage and on average answers. The findings suggest to a great extent the human impact onthe current social and environmental issues. Concurrently, the high degree of their significance in the modern world and their negative impactin the ecosphere are accurately indicated in the study; issues that arehighlighted in the international bibliography. At the same time, the study shows that the participants have an extensive knowledge of the current issues, and it highlights the Mass Media’s crucial role as source of information in encouraging knowledge about environmental concerns. Financial incentives, the implementation of training courses for adults, the essential requirements to ensure products meet high health, safety and environmental standards are additional measures taken to lessen the human impact on the physical environment. Taking individual responsibility, limiting the production, consumption and waste management are key elements in redefining the citizens’ environmentally responsible behavior and work towards strengthening the conditions for the implementation of key processes for sustainable development.