7 Trending Topics in Environmental Research
Environment research or Green Research is becoming increasingly vital as the world faces escalating challenges from pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. In India, these issues are not only environmental but social and economic concerns that demand innovative solutions and evidence-based policies. For academics, businesses, and policymakers alike, studying how consumers interact with green products, technologies, and habits can offer critical insights. Below are some compelling research topics on environmental issues that can be explored using surveys and primary data collection to shape sustainable practices and influence real-world change.
1. Green Buying Consumer Behaviour
As environmental health declines, small businesses and entrepreneurs are innovating with products marketed as less harmful than conventional alternatives. Environment research on green buying consumer behaviour explores what drives people to choose eco-friendly products, from personal values to perceived quality or price sensitivity. It’s essential to examine how informed consumers are about the environmental benefits, and whether these claims influence their purchasing decisions.
Example Survey Questions:
- Have you ever bought a green product?
- How would you describe your experience using environment friendly products?
Live example: This study on green products purchase intention surveyed Indian consumers from 64 cities across the country to explore the role of product-specific values and personal values towards green buying behaviour.
2. Indian consumers’ acceptance towards electric vehicles
As India transitions to cleaner energy, understanding the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is an urgent research need. Brands looking to launch new electric vehicles and EV-tech are more likely to face questions around affordability, ease of use, charging infrastructure, and environmental impact. A robust study can identify what encourages or hinders acceptance among different consumer segments.
Example Survey Questions:
- How easy/difficult is it to operate electric vehicle?
- Is purchasing electric vehicle cost-efficient when compared to conventional petrol/diesel/CNG operated vehicles?
Research Tip: Conduct comparative studies between EV users and non-users to uncover attitudes and willingness to switch from traditional fuel-based vehicles for personal or commercial use, adding depth and actionable insights to policy recommendations or marketing strategies.
3. Use of biodegradable or recyclable materials
As per this UN Environment Program article, an equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastics are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes every day. These are mostly daily usage household products and packaging materials. This non-recyclable human created mess has given rise to environment research on this topic. Researchers can explore key points like – knowledge and concerns towards environment issues, and human attitude towards bringing a change in daily habits.
Example Survey Questions:
- How frequently do you purchase renewable/reusable products?
- Are you willing to pay a premium if the product packaging is recyclable?
Live Example: A researcher from Calcutta University collected primary data for research on green personal care products – environment friendly, non-hazardous, and renewable. The study explored consumer acceptance towards such products when they are packaged in eco-friendly reusable materials, and hence increases the overall pricing of the products.
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4. Impact of consumer behaviour on growing climatic concerns
Global warming is worsening our climatic conditions day-by-day. The impact is higher on emerging economies not just environmentally but financially as well. This field of environment research explores how consumer awareness, attitudes, and habits influence these trends. From transportation choices to energy consumption, individual actions accumulate into large-scale impacts.
Example Survey Questions:
- How aware are you of current environmental issues?
- Are you willing to use public transport to reduce air pollution?
ThinkSurvey Tip: Explore issues like air pollution, garbage dumping in water bodies, depleting non-renewable energy sources, crowded roads are all the hot topics. Read these 5 must-haves before you start with primary data collection for research, it will give you the right direction to start.
5. Acceptance of Renewable Energy Consumption
With the rapid depletion of non-renewable energy sources, there is an increasing emphasis on adopting sustainable alternatives. This has led brands and researchers to focus on the use of solar panels, solar water heaters, and even smaller-scale commercial air and wind turbines suitable for homes and business establishments. Understanding consumer readiness and attitudes toward investing in these solutions is critical.
Example Survey Questions:
- Are you willing to invest in solar/wind/water energy equipment?
- Where do you see the highest potential for use – at home or in a business complex?
ThinkSurvey Tip: For this field of environment research, consider designing separate surveys for solar, wind, and water energy options. This enables more targeted analysis. You can also run comparative studies on consumer perceptions of long-term versus short-term benefits, or assess perceived value increases for homes versus commercial spaces.
6. Green Consumption Behaviour in India
This environment research topic examines the broader attitudes and decision-making processes of Indian consumers when choosing environmentally friendly products and practices. It focuses on motivations, barriers, and ethical considerations influencing purchase and lifestyle decisions.
Example Survey Questions:
- How aware are you that green products help reduce air and water pollution?
- Are you willing to pay a premium if the product is environment friendly?
Research Tip: Whether you’re launching a sustainable product or conducting academic research, studying green consumption behaviour in India can provide valuable insights to promote sustainable practices and help address pressing environmental challenges through informed policy and business strategies.
7. Role of Governmental Policies in Promoting Green Initiatives
You could explore if there are pre-defined laws, policies, and regulations set by the government to protect the environment. If there are – are they effective or not; if there are not – how urgent is the need to set them up. Also, are there any penalties imposed by the government for the offenders and is there a change in consumer behaviour post the penalties.
Example Survey Questions:
- Can you name any government initiatives or policies in your locality?
- Are they efficiently and effectively being followed by citizens in your locality?
ThinkSurvey Tip: For this study on environment research, run a national level study surveying more than 5000 participants. Compare the responses city-wise and publish city comparison data in your report.
How to choose the right research topic on environment research
Choosing the right environmental research topic is often the toughest first step for students and early-career researchers. The challenge lies in balancing novelty, feasibility, and relevance. A structured approach can make this process easier.
- Start with a literature scan: Explore recent reviews, journal articles, and preprints in environmental science to identify trends – from air pollution and biodiversity loss to renewable energy adoption. Narrow this down to two or three environmental research topics that genuinely spark your interest. Passion matters because research requires persistence.
- Identify knowledge gaps: Look at the “future research” sections of recent papers, attend conferences, and talk to peers. Aim for questions that are timely, novel, and socially relevant in the field of environment research (green research), such as gaps in sustainable waste management practices or climate adaptation strategies in Indian cities.
- Test feasibility: Ask whether you have the skills, data, or collaborators needed to explore the question. Consider survey-based approaches, since surveys are effective for studying behaviors and attitudes in environment research.
- Seek feedback: Connect and take feedback from supervisors or colleagues before finalizing. This dialogue often sharpens your idea, ensuring your chosen topic is both practical and impactful.
How to start: A Quick Guide
“I have the idea, but don’t know where to start.”
“I have the questionnaire ready, but stuck at data collection stage.”
We have heard this more often than you would think. If you have ever felt stuck – you are not alone.
Define your target audience, be precise what you want to ask in the questionnaire. For data collection – best would be to go all over the country. With an equal distribution of gender, age groups, income, etc. You can use multiple options like email list for bulk email sending, recruiting on social media or even utilize online survey panel.
Environmental research offers critical guidance for tackling some of India’s most urgent challenges, from pollution reduction to sustainable economic development. By exploring consumer attitudes and behaviours through thoughtful, data-driven studies, researchers and businesses can design better products, policies, and campaigns.
