HOW ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY ARE THE ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITY ON NATURE AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF WEST KAZAKHSTAN?

Today, due to the rapid growth of the population and the expansion of the economy, the burden on the ecological balance is increasing and the global problem of environmental challenges of the planet and all living creatures is only getting worse. According to the 13th "Climate action" aim of the SDG, the only and most effective tool for sustainable development is human engagement, environmental awareness, thinking and care. it is imperative to examine regional contexts such as Western Kazakhstan, where environmental issues intersect with socio-economic dynamics.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between Western Kazakhstan's ecological consciousness and environmentally conscious behavior. Through an exploration of the theory that increased environmental consciousness results in environmentally conscious actions, the research aims to clarify the existence of eco-aware individuals in the area and assess their projects. In addition, the study intends to assess locals' understanding of human influences on the ecosystem, highlighting the significance of educated environmental stewardship.

This research design includes a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Primary data collection involves surveys administered to a random sample of residents across Aktobe, Atyrau, Mangystau, and West Kazakhstan regions, supplemented by semi-structured interviews with eco-activists. Interview’s and survey’s findings highlight the significance of promoting environmental responsibility, increasing public knowledge, and removing real-world obstacles to eco-friendly conduct. Communities in West Kazakhstan can work toward a more sustainable and ecologically sensitive future by being aware of and solving these issues. The interview results were divided into categories: «description of the environmental condition», «causes of environmental problems», «environmental awareness and responsibility», «actions and initiatives». All the participants in the interview are residents of the Aktobe region and note the environmental condition is deplorable and bad. The participants note the main problems of the region, such as air pollution, plastic pollution leading to spontaneous landfills and water pollution, and believe that these local problems have an impact on humanity and the planet. All interviewees note the seriousness of environmental problems, emphasizing the role of anthropogenic factors as the main catalysts for the emergence of changes in the environment. There is a consensus on the importance of raising awareness and building environmental awareness. The idea that more environmentally conscious behavior is correlated with increased environmental awareness is supported by quantitative analysis of survey data. A sizable percentage of respondents acknowledge that human activity has a big impact on the environment and support both individual and collective efforts to slow down environmental degradation. However, obstacles like the cost and accessibility of eco-friendly products make it difficult for sustainable methods to become widely adopted

The main purpose of this research work was to study the ecological consciousness of the inhabitants of Western Kazakhstan and the relationship with environmentally responsible actions. The survey confirmed the hypothesis, because the majority of respondents recognized the impact of anthropogenic factors on the environment, emphasizing the impact of the role of individual actions in preventing environmental degradation. the survey and interviews revealed that the teenage generation is particularly concerned about environmental issues. This indicates that it is necessary to empower young people in the form of sustainable practices, initiatives. Nonetheless, other findings regarding practical efficacy support this theory. Among the obstacles identified during information gathering are the availability of eco-friendly items and the paucity of environmental activities. That is to say, locals are unwilling to pay extra for environmental friendliness despite their increased awareness. 

In conclusion, these results make it abundantly evident that campaigns to encourage environmental responsibility need to do more than just raise public awareness; they also need to eliminate structural obstacles that stand in the way of adopting sustainable practices. This implies not only the formation of a culture of respect for the environment, but also the promotion of policy changes and infrastructure improvements that promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle.