Search Results (1,058)

Our goal was to identify and understand perspectives of different stakeholders in the field of climate policy and test a process of co-creative policy development to support the implementation of climate protection measures. As the severity of climate change grows globally, perceptions of climate science and climate-based policy have become increasingly polarized. The one-solution consensus or compromise that has encapsulated environmental policymaking has proven insufficient or unable to address accurately or efficiently the climate issue. Because climate change is often described as a wicked problem (multiple causes, widespread impacts, uncertain outcomes, and an array of potential solutions), a clumsy solution that incorporates ideas and actions representative of varied and divergent worldviews is best suited to address it. This study used the Theory of Plural Rationality, which uses a two-dimensional spectrum to identify four interdependent worldviews as well as a fifth autonomous perspective to define the differing perspectives in the field of climate policy in Austria. Stakeholder inputs regarding general worldviews, climate change, and climate policy were evaluated to identify agreeable actions representative of the multiple perspectives. Thus, we developed and tested a co-creative process for developing clumsy solutions. This study concludes that while an ideological consensus is unlikely, agreement is more likely to occur on the practical level of concrete actions (albeit perhaps for different reasons). Findings suggested that creating an ecological tax reform was an acceptable policy action to diverse stakeholders. Furthermore, the study illuminated that the government is perceived to have the most potential influence on climate protection policy and acts as a key “broker”, or linkage, between other approaches that are perceived to be more actualized but less impactful. Full article

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing over 700,000 deaths annually, particularly among the poorest populations in tropical and subtropical areas. Climate change, particularly global warming, and certain human activities, including irrigation farming, exacerbate the situation by creating conducive environments that facilitate the breeding of vectors such as mosquitoes and snails. This qualitative study aimed to understand the VBD control and management policy landscape in irrigation areas by gathering perceptions from key stakeholders in the irrigation farming sector in Malawi. Respondents indicated that there are no specific VBD control and management policies targeting irrigation areas in Malawi and that stakeholders essentially work in silos. Notwithstanding this, the Malawi government is committed to expanding irrigation areas to address food security. We, therefore, call for the integration of VBD control and management in irrigation farming, utilising the One Health approach—a promising strategy that could bring significant benefits. Further, we recommend the provision of VBD control and management resources in irrigation investments and the involvement of VBD researchers in the formulation of irrigation policies. Full article

Forgotten spaces, often referred to as lost spaces or non-places, represent a crucial challenge in contemporary urbanism and sustainable urban development. They are underdeveloped and undesirable urban areas that are in urgent need of rethinking, replanning, and redesign. They are mostly undefined, lacking measurable boundaries and communication routes. These natural areas are usually neglected and underutilized, which leads to their insufficient exploration from an urban-ecology perspective. Due to the impacts of climate change, it is necessary to reintegrate these lost places into urban planning. In organized non-spaces, it is crucial to rediscover their function and make these areas accessible or released for use. Wetlands, rich in biodiversity in urban areas and subject to seasonal changes, are threatened by human activity, and their protection is essential for the sustainable development of cities and urbanism today. Cities are interwoven with such non-places, which exhibit various characteristics within the urbans system. In conclusion, unrecognized urban spaces and lost wetlands represent an untapped potential for sustainable urban ecosystem development. This shifts the perception of urban voids from traditional urbanization towards their new potential as spaces for green development within the framework of sustainable contemporary cities. Full article

Media coverage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception of the energy transition. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of how the lignite phase-out is represented in Greece, both by national and regional media, with a specific focus on the impacted region of Western Macedonia. Using data from the Leipzig Corpora Collection and regional news portals from 2013 to 2022, the analysis reveals significant divergences between media levels. While both show synchronized peaks for key terms like “Climate change” (2019) and “Western Macedonia” (2021), regional media addressed the direct impacts of the transition earlier and more intensely, with terms like “post-lignite” and “de-lignification” peaking in 2020 following the announcement of the Master Plan. National media framed the transition within a broader, top-down policy context, often with an optimistic tone, reflecting EU directives. In contrast, regional media provided a community-centric perspective, highlighting concerns over job losses and the preservation of local identity. The findings underscore a clear tension between official narratives of progress and local-level concerns, demonstrating that media discourse is a critical, multi-faceted component of just transition processes that policymakers must consider. Full article

Agriculture is under increasing pressure to change practices and technologies due to climate change, market forces and community pressures. The strongest influences on farmers’ adoption of practices and technologies are their perceptions of the relevant benefits and costs. Differences in the fine-grained characteristics of farm systems can lead to diversity in farmers’ perceptions. Where this is the case, the rate of adoption is best increased through product development rather than promotion. The extent to which differences in the characteristics of farm systems translate into diversity in farmers’ perceptions of innovations has rarely been explored. Our purpose was to investigate whether the diversity in farmers’ perceptions of practices correlated with fine-grained differences in the characteristics of their farm systems using survey data on four management practices used by livestock farmers in New Zealand. We found that the diversity in farmers’ perceptions did correlate with subtle differences in a variety of characteristics of farm systems. This result has important implications for research, extension and policy. Full article

Heatwaves are increasing in frequency and intensity owing to climate change, posing severe health risks to urban populations, particularly vulnerable groups. This study investigates public perceptions, adaptive behavior, and policy awareness regarding extreme heat in Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea, a heat-prone urban area. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analyzed primary survey data from 814 residents and secondary data from the 2020 Gwangju Citizen Heatwave Awareness Survey. Statistical analyses, including chi-squared and t-tests, examined differences across socioeconomic age groups. Results indicate that while general awareness of heatwave risks is high, low-income residents exhibit lower perceived severity, limited access to mechanical cooling, and greater reliance on passive avoidance behaviors. Awareness and use of municipal cooling shelters were low, with satisfaction hindered by concerns over accessibility, cleanliness, and operational hours. Television and emergency text alerts were the main information channels; however, trust and perceived usefulness were limited. Policy recommendations include spatially targeted shelter placement informed by vulnerability mapping, improved operational standards, diversified risk communication, and enhanced community engagement. This study underscores the importance of equity-driven adaptation strategies and provides practical insights for global municipalities facing similar climate-related heat risks. Full article

Climate change caused by CO₂ emissions, the depletion of oil resources, and their unequivocal association with road transport constitute the primary factors behind the development of the electromobility sector. Simultaneously, existing infrastructure limitations and specific aspects of the social perception of electric vehicles may pose significant barriers to this sector’s growth in Poland, one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe. Therefore, this study aims to identify the level of diffusion of expert opinions regarding battery electric vehicles (BEVs) among vehicle users, in the context of user convenience (functionality) and their environmental impact, and to analyse the variability and determinants of these opinions. The obtained results are intended to serve as a basis for initiating actions to identify the limitations in the development of this automotive sector in Poland. Our study results indicate that the level of diffusion of expert opinions regarding BEVs among respondents is high. In contrast, opinions about these vehicles’ usability are more consistently internalised than those concerning their environmental impact. Moreover, this study demonstrates that limited financial resources and low levels of education among potential car buyers constitute barriers to developing this segment of the automotive market in Poland. Full article

Understanding rural communities’ perceptions of the health impacts of extreme weather is vital for strengthening community resilience and adaptation strategies. This paper aimed to collate existing evidence on the perceptions of rural Australians regarding the health impacts of extreme weather events. A scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines was conducted. Peer-reviewed empirical articles published up to 7 May 2025 were identified from Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. One author undertook two-step screening and data extraction, which was checked by another author, and data were analysed using a thematic approach. Of 242 non-duplicate articles screened, 34 were included, which discussed drought (n = 14), bushfire (n = 8), flood (n = 6), extreme heat (n = 4) or a combination of events (n = 2). Two main themes arose: (1) perceived severity, frequency and duration of extreme weather events; and (2) perceptions of health impacts. The second theme comprised six subthemes: mental health risks, social disconnectedness, disrupted connection to land, distress due to uncertainties, community resilience, and disproportionate effects on vulnerable groups. Evidence gaps included a lack of perspectives separated by gender and age and a shortage of voices of socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Future research should investigate how to understand rural communities’ resilience to develop targeted adaptation and mitigation strategies. Full article

Pastoral livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa are under an increasing threat from climate change with arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) being especially vulnerable. Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is widely promoted as a strategy for enhancing resilience among smallholder livestock farmers by improving productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening adaptive capacity. However, CSA adoption rates among pastoralists remains low. While existing studies emphasise socio-economic and institutional factors, this study explores the often-overlooked behavioural dimensions, attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions, which critically influence adaptation decisions. Guided by the theory of planned behaviour (TPB), this study investigates the behavioural drivers of CSA adoption among 737 livestock farmers in Kenya’s ASALs. Using ordered probit regression and structural equation modelling–confirmatory factor analysis (SEM-CFA), the results reveal that attitudes and perceived behavioural control are significant predictors of farmer intention to adopt CSA practices, with perceived behavioural control being the most influential predictor. Farmers with a positive attitude and confidence in their ability to implement CSA practices are more likely to adopt them. The study findings suggest that efforts to promote CSA adoption should prioritise transforming attitudes and building practical confidence by increasing exposure to demonstration farms and implementing awareness-raising initiatives within pastoral communities. Full article

The 1.5-degree lifestyles aim to reduce household carbon footprints across six areas (food, housing, mobility, consumer goods, leisure, and services), as identified by IGES, relying on public efforts. This study seeks to understand Japanese university students’ perceptions of 1.5-degree lifestyles, their preferred actions for implementation at the individual, family, and community levels, and the top three enablers and barriers they face. Using a questionnaire based on the KIDA (knowledge, interest, desire, action) framework, which aligns with IGES’s six sectors, data from 244 responses collected via snowball sampling were analyzed. Results reveal low awareness of 1.5-degree lifestyles among Japanese university students, along with a moderate desire to learn more. Gender differences were significant, with females showing higher awareness, desire, and action compared to males. Three common barriers identified include challenges with work–life balance, economic concerns, and gaps between knowledge and action. Recommendations emphasize increasing youth awareness and encouraging action on 1.5-degree lifestyles through early environmental education, youth-focused communication (such as social media), and securing strong political support to help address practical challenges. Full article

While increasingly popular for their aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, reflective materials may also create harsh glare, disorientation, and psychological strain. Despite their prevalence in modern architectural design, the impact of these facades on mental well-being remains underexplored. Drawing from environmental psychology and perceptual science, this study assesses how different reflective materials influence both visual perception and psychological response, particularly among residents and students in Leicester. Two contrasting case studies, the reflective metal Highcross centre facade and the reflective glass Mattioli Woods PLC facade, served as focal points. Using a structured online questionnaire incorporating visual stimuli and Likert-scale questions, responses from 30 participants were analysed using descriptive and statistical analysis (i.e., one-way ANOVA) to determine differences in visual discomfort (due to brightness, glare, or shine), visual attractiveness, visual disorientation, and perception of the surroundings, as well as the associated physiological responses such as stress, tension, and mood. Results show that the Highcross Centre facade was consistently perceived as more visually discomforting and disorienting than the Mattioli Woods facade, with statistically significant differences. However, both facades were rated similarly high for visual interest, suggesting that aesthetic value can coexist with discomfort. Finally, the analysis shows that buildings’ reflective facades evoke only low levels of perceived stress, tension, or unease, with median scores remaining low overall. These findings highlight the importance of human-centred facade design, suggesting that, as cities adapt to climate change, architects and urban planners consider not only environmental performance but also perceptual and psychological effects. Full article

Architecture can play a pivotal role in addressing the climate crisis by embedding sustainable design principles that reduce environmental impact and enhance resilience. Beyond ecological considerations, architectural interventions are crucial in developing structures capable of withstanding extreme weather events—and thereby mitigating the displacement of vulnerable populations. This study emphasizes the importance of tailoring architectural responses to the specific environmental challenges and evolving needs of rural communities. Drawing on the Perceived Values and Climate Change Resilience Dataset collected in Siaya County, Kenya, the research explores local perceptions of climate change and how these shape housing priorities. Among 300 respondents, 83% express concern about climate change, identifying drought as the most pressing environmental threat. The evolving desire for housing solutions that respond to specific needs highlights the need for more secure housing. This specifically calls for improvements in watertightness, pest resistance (especially against termites), and overall structural durability, as well as reducing maintenance effort, enabling houses to be enlarged, and improving their aesthetics. These findings provide critical insights into how rural populations in western Kenya are experiencing and responding to climate-related stressors. By foregrounding community perspectives, the study informs the development of adaptive, resilient, and contextually appropriate architectural solutions. It contributes to broader discourses on climate adaptation, vernacular design, and inclusive development strategies in Sub-Saharan Africa, reinforcing the imperative to align architectural innovation with both environmental imperatives and cultural realities. Full article

Timber construction is increasingly promoted in Chile as a route to low-carbon, energy-efficient housing, yet public acceptance remains decisive for its diffusion. This study reports the first large-scale perception survey of timber buildings in Greater Concepción (N = 200) and contrasts key results with an earlier identical survey in Valdivia. Concepción residents strongly recognise timber’s thermal comfort attributes and associate wood housing with lower winter heating demand, a perception markedly stronger than in Valdivia. Conversely, 73% of Concepción respondents believe timber homes burn easily, but a majority also accept that modern engineering can mitigate this risk, indicating scope for targeted technical communication. Environmental perceptions are more ambivalent: although respondents value wood’s renewable origin, 42% doubt that timber construction reduces climate change, and many equate it with deforestation, echoing controversies around Chile’s plantation model. Cluster analysis reveals a techno-optimist subgroup coupling enthusiasm for energy savings with confidence in fire-safety innovations, suggesting a strategic constituency for demonstration projects. By situating end-user attitudes within national decarbonisation goals, this paper argues that region-specific outreach—emphasising verified energy-efficiency gains, certified sustainable forestry and visible fire-safety performance—can convert passive approval into active demand and accelerate Chile’s transition to a net-zero housing stock. Full article

Agriculture plays a crucial role in discussions about environmental challenges because of its ecological footprint and high vulnerability to environmental shocks. To better understand the social and behavioral dynamics among food producers and their perceptions of climate change-related risks, this paper draws on forty-one in-depth, semi-structured interviews with farmers and ranchers in Colorado (USA). Leveraging the concept of social capital, the paper extends the concept analytically in a direction missed by previous research highlighting network structures, such as by focusing on its bonding, bridging, and linking characteristics. Instead, focus centers on the inclusiveness and diversity of values, beliefs, worldviews, and cultural orientations within those networks, arguing that these elements can be just as influential, if not more so in certain instances, than structural qualities. The concept of social capital heterogeneity is introduced to describe a network’s level of diversity and inclusivity. The findings do not question the importance of studying network structures when trying to understand how food producers respond to threats like climate change; an approach that remains useful for explaining social learning, technology adoption, and behavioral change. However, this method misses elements captured through a subjective, interpretivist perspective. With social capital heterogeneity, we can use social capital to explore why farmers and ranchers hold specific values and risk perceptions, peering deeper “within” networks, while tools like quantitative social network analysis software help map their structures from the “outside.” Additionally, social capital heterogeneity provides valuable insights into questions about “effective” agro-environmental governance. The paper concludes by discussing practical implications of the findings and reviewing the limitations of the research design. Full article

This study aims to reveal how ecotourists’ general perceptions, concerns, and intentions to act regarding climate change have been shaped in the context of their personality domains following the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from 409 participants who took part in nature walking activities in Turkey in 2024 using a survey method. The data were analyzed using quantitative methods such as structural equation modeling (SEM) and multiple regression analyses. The findings reveal statistically significant relationships between Big-Five personality domains of ecotourists’ and their perceptions of climate change, concerns, intentions to act, and ecotourism intentions. The results reveal that attitudes toward climate change have become more pronounced, especially in the post-pandemic period, and that personality domains are a strong determinant in shaping these attitudes. This study is important for the development of sustainable tourism policies and for providing strategic recommendations to managers in the field of ecotourism. Full article