A qualitative analysis of climate change-related perceptions among a sample of the Egyptian population: A youth participatory action research

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Problem considered</h3> Climate change-related perceptions and communication are important factors influencing people's support for climate change policies and individual behavior. The purpose of this Youth-Led PAR is to involve young people in framing the discussion about climate change, identifying knowledge, perception about CC and its effects. <h3>Methods</h3> This is an exploratory population-based study that was implemented in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Environment (MOE) and UINCEF/Egypt Country Office (ECO) during the period from June 2023 to December 2023. A qualitative investigative approach was chosen for this study's methodology including 90 focus group discussions and 180 in-depth interviews in 10 governorates including a purposive sample of 1082 respondents. <h3>Results</h3> The interview questions elicited responses related to five thematic areas: young people's awareness, attitudes and beliefs; lessons learned, mitigation strategies, barriers against contribution; Roles and responsibilities for the implementation strategies; Advocacy campaigns and raising awareness. The findings revealed that young people perceive climate change as a global warming phenomenon. The majority realized that the situation would be worse, children, adolescents and young people are the most affected due to spreading diseases, emerging new organisms, increasing in mental health problems. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Generate evidence and assessing youth's understanding related to climate change impact on health is a critical issue. The study results can provide the foundation to develop community-based awareness campaigns, draw attention to the causes, indicators, and broad hazards of CC, advocate for the urgent need to support strict governmental policies and the development of future environmental impact reducing strategies.