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Assessing climate change awareness among Mediterranean university students: a comparative study of French and Greek universities

Author

Listed:
  • Aybike Bayraktar

    (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM-IAMM)
    Ondokuz Mayis University)

  • Georgios Kleftodimos

    (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM-IAMM)
    Montpellier Interdisciplinary Center on Sustainable Agri-Food Systems (MoISA), Univ Montpellier, CIHEAM-IAMM, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, IRD)

  • Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos

    (University of Thessaly)

  • Christina Kleisiari

    (University of Thessaly)

  • George Vlontzos

    (University of Thessaly)

  • Hatem Belhouchette

    (Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM-IAMM)
    UMR ABSys)

Abstract

Raising Climate Change (CC) awareness is crucial for mitigating the negative effects of this phenomenon, as well as for ensuring a sustainable future for upcoming generations. This study assesses and compares the climate change awareness level of Mediterranean university students in France and Greece. Emphasis was given to three research questions regarding knowledge, information sources, and awareness level. A questionnaire was used to determine the knowledge level and awareness of 641 university students in France and Greece. Principal Component Analysis was used to determine the main factors influencing the above-mentioned aspects, as was an independent sample t-test to compare the sample’s awareness level and socio-economic characteristics. Based on a modified climate change awareness index developed by the researchers, most students were found to have a low level of awareness of climate change. However, there is evidence that students are willing to undertake specific eco-friendly initiatives. Additionally, one of the study’s key findings is that students' knowledge and awareness of climate change varies according to socio-demographic characteristics such as gender, age, income level, and academic field. Nationality was proved to be a significant factor influencing belief in CC and willingness to take action. Incentives for both formal and informal information should be provided by policymakers to ensure theoretical background as well as climate change-related actions, in order to raise climate change awareness across younger generations.

Suggested Citation

  • Aybike Bayraktar & Georgios Kleftodimos & Leonidas Sotirios Kyrgiakos & Christina Kleisiari & George Vlontzos & Hatem Belhouchette, 2024. "Assessing climate change awareness among Mediterranean university students: a comparative study of French and Greek universities," Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences, Springer;Association of Environmental Studies and Sciences, vol. 14(4), pages 666-680, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jenvss:v:14:y:2024:i:4:d:10.1007_s13412-024-00946-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s13412-024-00946-w
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