Awareness levels of public officials working in public institutions in Sarayönü district on global warming and climate change

Climate change has become a global problem threatening both the natural environment and human health through rising temperatures, polluted water resources, declining biodiversity, and deteriorating air quality. Raising public awareness and increasing consciousness are critical requirements for managing this phenomenon effectively. In this context, not only educational institutions, media, and non-governmental organizations but also public officials and local administrations play a central role. Public officials bear direct responsibility in the preparation and implementation of public policies, while local administrations, as institutions with close interaction with society, are capable of implementing environmentally friendly practices at the community level. In this regard, strategic steps to enhance public officials' awareness of climate change are of great importance. Capacity-building programs, policy development simulations, strengthening communication networks, and reward systems are among the effective methods that can be employed. Local administrations are expected to set an example in resource management, waste control, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly projects, whereas public officials should fulfill their responsibilities in policymaking and public communication. Collaboration between public officials and local administrations is therefore considered essential for the success of climate change mitigation efforts. The aim of this study is to determine the awareness levels of public officials working in public institutions in the Sarayönü district regarding global warming and climate change, and to examine the relationship between this awareness and socio-demographic variables. Findings reveal that gender and marital status have no significant effect on awareness, while age, education level, and previous experience with environmental courses positively influence awareness. Although most participants recognize climate change as a serious threat, they lack sufficient knowledge about individual measures and solution strategies. Accordingly, increasing public awareness campaigns led by public officials and local administrations, integrating environmental issues into educational curricula, and developing comprehensive policies that reach all segments of society are of vital importance for ensuring a sustainable future.