# Understanding climate change knowledge and risk denial in a Southern Italian university population: a cross-sectional study

## TL;DR

This study explores how a Southern Italian university population understands climate change and its health risks, finding high awareness but also some denial.

## Contribution

The study identifies demographic and academic factors influencing climate change knowledge and risk perception in a specific regional university population.

## Key findings

- 57.2% of participants demonstrated high climate change knowledge, linked to age and climate-related backgrounds.
- 11% of respondents believed climate change severity was overstated, more common among men and married/separated individuals.
- Only 41.4% were aware of the 'One Health' concept, though those who were recognized its importance in preventing climate-related diseases.

## Abstract

This study investigated the level of knowledge and risk perception related to climate change and its health impacts among a university population in Southern Italy.

Data were collected through a paper-based questionnaire administered in classrooms and offices, covering sociodemographic characteristics, climate change knowledge, risk perception, environmental attitudes, and awareness of the “One Health” approach.

Among 551 participants, 57.2% achieved high knowledge, which was associated with older age, a climate-related academic or professional background, and attendance at the University of Catanzaro. Most respondents (96.3%) recognized the impact of global warming on human health, though 11% believed climate change severity was overstated, a view more common among men and married or separated individuals. Awareness of the “One Health” concept was limited to 41.4%, yet those familiar with it acknowledged its importance in preventing climate-related diseases. Internet and social media were the primary information sources.

Findings reveal generally high awareness but notable variability across subgroups, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions that combine scientific knowledge with environmental attitudes to promote effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.