More than Meets the Eye: Older Population and Climate Change Nexus in Serbia and Bulgaria

Population aging and climate change are two long-term processes that increasingly intersect, yet their interrelationship remains insufficiently explored in Southeast Europe. This article examines how adults aged 50+ in Serbia and Bulgaria understand, perceive, and respond to climate risks, with the aim of identifying age-specific vulnerabilities as well as opportunities for climate action. We administered the ClimateMind50+ questionnaire to purposive national samples comprising 309 respondents in Serbia (CAPI, 82 municipalities) and 155 respondents in Bulgaria (CAWI, 74 municipalities). Socio-demographic differences were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 tests. The findings indicate moderate levels of self-assessed climate literacy, strong concern about the impacts of climate change on future generations, and heightened anxiety regarding extreme heat and prolonged dry periods. During climate-related emergencies, respondents rely predominantly on family networks rather than local institutions, and overall preparedness for extreme events remains limited. Adaptive and pro-environmental behaviors are modest and vary by gender, education level, and type of settlement. Population aging interacts with socio-economic vulnerability, energy poverty, regional decline, and governance constraints, shaping both exposure to climate risks and the capacity for behavioral adaptation. Climate strategies in both countries should therefore become more age-inclusive and socially responsive, recognizing older adults not only as a vulnerable group but also as active contributors to resilience.