From Environmental Knowledge to Sustainable Behavior: The Mediating Roles of Risk Perception, Environmental Concern, and Behavioral Intention in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of environmental knowledge, risk perception, environmental concern, and behavioral intention on environmentally sustainable behavior in Saudi Arabia. Data collected from 546 respondents through an Arabic-language online questionnaire were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The proposed model explains 56.5% of the variance in sustainable behavior, demonstrating substantial explanatory power. Environmental behavioral intention, risk perception, and environmental concern positively influence sustainable behavior, whereas environmental knowledge exhibits a weaker direct effect. However, environmental knowledge and risk perception demonstrate substantial total effects, highlighting their broader influence through indirect pathways. Significant mediating effects of risk perception, environmental concern, and behavioral intention further elucidate the psychological mechanisms underlying sustainable behavior. The study advances environmental sustainability literature and provides actionable insights for policymakers to strengthen environmental education, risk communication, and targeted interventions promoting sustainable practices in Saudi Arabia.

Key Words: Environmental knowledge, environmental risk perception, environmental concern, environmentally sustainable behavioral intention, environmentally sustainable behavior, Saudi Arabia

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/17-7-03

Publication date: October 30^th 2026