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Adolescents’ Knowledge on Climate Change: A Nationwide Study in Indonesia

Author

Listed:
  • Evi Martha

    (Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Building D 1st Floor, Depok 16424, Indonesia)

  • Besral

    (Department of Biostatistics and Population Studies, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Building A 2nd Floor, Depok 16424, Indonesia)

  • Ulfi Hida Zainita

    (Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Building D 1st Floor, Depok 16424, Indonesia)

  • Naurah Assyifa Rilfi

    (Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Building D 1st Floor, Depok 16424, Indonesia)

  • Syifa Aulia Aminudin

    (Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Indonesia, Building D 1st Floor, Depok 16424, Indonesia)

Abstract

Adolescents’ knowledge about climate change is key to protecting the well-being of all generations and to promoting individuals’ rights and resilience. This study assesses the climate change literacy of Indonesian adolescents and its determinants. This nationwide study was conducted in 2023 in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Eastern Indonesia. A total of 1126 adolescents aged 13–19 years were selected through multi-stage sampling. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and multinomial logistic regression. This study found that 49.7% of adolescents had poor climate change literacy. In the multivariate analysis, the significantly related factors had an odds ratio of 1.66–4.75. Climate change literacy was higher in adolescents from the West and Central Regions, from public or religious schools, and those with educated parents, than in adolescents from the Eastern Region, from private or vocational schools, and those whose parents had low education, respectively. This study suggests the need to promote equality in climate change literacy among Indonesian adolescents through formal and informal education. High-quality formal education would necessitate well-trained teachers with expertise in climate change, as well as a structured, age-appropriate curriculum. Meanwhile, informal education through another information dissemination and social media-based movements can help broaden outreach among adolescents.

Suggested Citation

  • Evi Martha & Besral & Ulfi Hida Zainita & Naurah Assyifa Rilfi & Syifa Aulia Aminudin, 2025. "Adolescents’ Knowledge on Climate Change: A Nationwide Study in Indonesia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:571-:d:1628856
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. A. M. Vicedo-Cabrera & N. Scovronick & F. Sera & D. Royé & R. Schneider & A. Tobias & C. Astrom & Y. Guo & Y. Honda & D. M. Hondula & R. Abrutzky & S. Tong & M. de Sousa Zanotti Stagliorio Coelho & P., 2021. "The burden of heat-related mortality attributable to recent human-induced climate change," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 11(6), pages 492-500, June.
    2. World Bank, 2023. "Social Dimensions of Climate Change in Indonesia," World Bank Publications - Reports 40972, The World Bank Group.
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