Climate Change Awareness and Eco-Anxiety Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract : The Philippines is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world and faces several disasters, including floods, droughts, typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions. These events are known to have negative impacts on people’s mental health. Studying the harmful effects of climate change on people’s mental health is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and 13 (Climate Action). Eco-anxiety, defined as anxiety relating to climate change and other environmental problems, is one of the adverse effects of climate change on mental health. Among young Filipinos, prior studies indicate that eco-anxiety is prevalent, but research investigating the various factors contributing to eco-anxiety is limited. In the present study, the researchers focused on climate change awareness as a factor associated with eco-anxiety. This study aimed to determine the level of climate change awareness and eco-anxiety among undergraduate students and determine if there is a significant relationship between these two variables. Using the Awareness Scale for Climate Change and Hogg’s Eco-Anxiety Scale, data were gathered among 392 undergraduate students in one of the higher education institutions in Davao City. Results showed that undergraduate students, on average, exhibit a very high level of climate change awareness. Additionally, results revealed that, on average, undergraduate students experience a moderate level of eco-anxiety. Results also showed a significant but low positive relationship between climate change awareness and eco-anxiety. The results of this study add to the growing body of research investigating the prevalence of and relationship between climate change awareness and eco-anxiety. This study highlights the need to reassess various climate change awareness programs and implement other interventions to help address eco-anxiety among young people and students.