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. 2024 Sep 9;12(17):1797.
doi: 10.3390/healthcare12171797.

Climate Change Challenge Faced by Italian Children: A Nationwide Study

Livio Provenzi  1   2 , Michelle A Ovalles Gomez  1 , Simona Frassone  3 , Cinzia Pilo  4 , Elisa Angiolini  5 , Serena Barello  1   6
Affiliations

Climate Change Challenge Faced by Italian Children: A Nationwide Study

Livio Provenzi et al. Healthcare (Basel). .

Abstract

Climate change threatens environmental stability and human health, with limited research on younger children's perceptions. This study examines Italian primary school children's views on climate change to guide educational and policy strategies. Surveying 973 children (5-11 years) from different regions, findings showed high awareness (93%) and concern (63%) about climate change. Regional differences indicated greater concern in the south. Gender disparities revealed females were more concerned and experienced more sleep difficulties. Younger children had stronger emotional responses, while older ones showed increased pro-environmental behaviors. Despite moderate self-confidence in effecting change, a strong sense of responsibility and trust in adults was prevalent. These results highlight the need for early, continuous climate education tailored to regional, age, and gender-specific needs. Addressing children's views on climate change can help educators and policymakers foster resilience and proactive attitudes, supporting the development of informed and engaged future stewards of the planet.

Keywords: children; climate change; eco-anxiety; environment; survey.

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Conflict of interest statement

Author Simona Frassone was employed by ScuolAttiva at the time of the study. Author Cinzia Pilo was employed by the company Triplepact SRL at the time of the study. The other authors declare no potential conflict of interest. The funder companies were not involved in the study design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, the writing of this article or the decision to submit it for publication.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Geographical distribution of survey respondents.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Significant variations in children’s perspective on climate change challenges.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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