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From Awareness to Action: How Urban Greening and Climate Change Shape Student Health Perceptions in Higher Education

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  • Alexandros Lingos

    (Research Unit of Environmental Education & Communication, Department of Public & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece)

  • Gerasimina-Theodora Zapanti

    (Research Unit of Environmental Education & Communication, Department of Public & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece)

  • Nikolaos Klioumis

    (Research Unit of Environmental Education & Communication, Department of Public & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece)

  • Panagiotis-Rafail Karaevangelou

    (Research Unit of Environmental Education & Communication, Department of Public & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece)

  • Constantina Skanavis

    (Research Unit of Environmental Education & Communication, Department of Public & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of West Attica, 11521 Athens, Greece)

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between climate change, urban greening, and health perceptions among university students within higher education. Grounded in environmental psychology and sustainability science, it explores how well-being is shaped by climate–health awareness, eco-anxiety, and perceived access to urban green spaces. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using structured questionnaires to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to climate change and sustainability. The findings indicate a high awareness of the health impacts of climate change, especially concerning mental well-being. Urban green spaces were recognized as positively influencing emotional resilience, physical activity, and environmental quality. However, despite this awareness, limited engagement in sustainability-oriented behaviors was identified, indicating an action gap. The study suggests the creation of a Climate Health Assessment Indicator to evaluate climate–health literacy and behavioral readiness among academic populations systematically. It also emphasizes integrating identity-based interventions into educational frameworks to support the transition from awareness to sustainable action. Positioned within the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—this research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on integrating sustainability and human well-being in academic and urban contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexandros Lingos & Gerasimina-Theodora Zapanti & Nikolaos Klioumis & Panagiotis-Rafail Karaevangelou & Constantina Skanavis, 2025. "From Awareness to Action: How Urban Greening and Climate Change Shape Student Health Perceptions in Higher Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-21, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:4807-:d:1662906
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Teodoro Semeraro & Aurelia Scarano & Riccardo Buccolieri & Angelo Santino & Eeva Aarrevaara, 2021. "Planning of Urban Green Spaces: An Ecological Perspective on Human Benefits," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-26, January.
    2. Beata Meyer, 2023. "Significance of the Participatory Budget in Supporting Green Infrastructure," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3), pages 842-852.
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    Cited by:

    1. Deniz Karaelmas & Mükerrem Bahar Başkır & Kübra Tekdamar & Canan Cengiz & Bülent Cengiz, 2025. "University Students’ Perceptions on Climate Change Awareness and Sustainable Environments Through an Unsupervised Clustering Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-22, October.

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