Examining the relationship between middle school students' climate literacy levels and their concerns about climate change

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between middle school students' levels of concern about climate change and their climate literacy levels. The study aims to determine the connection between students' knowledge about climate change and the level of concern they feel regarding this issue. Method: The study utilized a relational survey model and focused on 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students attending public middle schools in Aydın during the 2023-2024 academic year. Students were selected using a stratified purposive sampling method. Data collection tools included a personal information form, the Climate Change Concern Scale, and the Climate Literacy Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data. A significance level of p<.05 was adopted for the interpretation of the data. Findings: The findings of the study revealed that female students have higher levels of concern about climate change compared to male students. The educational and occupational status of parents did not have a significant effect on students' climate literacy and concern levels. However, membership in environmental organizations and having information about these organizations positively impacted students' climate literacy. Additionally, a positive and significant relationship was found between climate literacy and concern about climate change. This indicates that as the level of climate literacy increases, students' concerns about climate change also increase. Conclusion: The study concluded that an increase in climate literacy corresponds to an increase in students' concerns about climate change. These findings suggest that individuals with greater knowledge about climate issues understand the seriousness and impacts of these issues better, leading to heightened concern. The importance of enhancing students' climate literacy in education policies and curriculum development processes is emphasized. The results of the study can guide educators and policymakers in developing strategies to make young generations more sensitive and informed about environmental issues. Keywords: Climate change, Climate literacy, Middle school students, Concern level, Environmental education.