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Ecological Emotions and Environmental Education: Voices of Youth in a Mediterranean Region

Author

Listed:
  • Irida Tsevreni

    (Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Argonafton & Filellinon, 38221 Volos, Greece)

  • Anna Maria Kali

    (Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Argonafton & Filellinon, 38221 Volos, Greece)

  • Fotini Bonoti

    (Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, Argonafton 1C, 42132 Trikala, Greece)

Abstract

This study examines climate anxiety and perceptions regarding the future among Generation Z youth living in a Mediterranean region vulnerable to climate-related natural disasters. It also explores their perceptions of the content and effectiveness of environmental education. A quantitative survey based on an online questionnaire was conducted with 93 undergraduate students and future environmental education teachers in Greece. We investigated their ecological emotions, thoughts about the future, and their ideas on the orientation of environmental education content. The results reveal (a) a high level of climate anxiety among participants, (b) pessimistic ideas about the future, and (c) the need for a holistic pedagogical approach to environmental education theory and praxis.

Suggested Citation

  • Irida Tsevreni & Anna Maria Kali & Fotini Bonoti, 2025. "Ecological Emotions and Environmental Education: Voices of Youth in a Mediterranean Region," Societies, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:15:y:2025:i:8:p:225-:d:1724641
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Serge Latouche, 2020. "Degrowth and the Paradoxes of Happiness," Annals of the Fondazione Luigi Einaudi. An Interdisciplinary Journal of Economics, History and Political Science, Fondazione Luigi Einaudi, Torino (Italy), vol. 54(1), pages 133-152, June.
    2. Susan D. Clayton & Panu Pihkala & Britt Wray & Elizabeth Marks, 2023. "Psychological and Emotional Responses to Climate Change among Young People Worldwide: Differences Associated with Gender, Age, and Country," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-12, February.
    3. Ioannis M. Kourtis & Harris Vangelis & Dimitris Tigkas & Anna Mamara & Ioannis Nalbantis & George Tsakiris & Vassilios A. Tsihrintzis, 2023. "Drought Assessment in Greece Using SPI and ERA5 Climate Reanalysis Data," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-19, November.
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