A study on the level of climate change awareness in adults: The example of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University

Climate change, which affects environmental, social and economic structures worldwide in a multidimensional way, is defined as one of the most important global crises of the 21st century. These changes in the climate system are largely caused by human-induced activities; factors such as fossil fuel use, deforestation, intensive urbanization and industrialization accelerate global warming by increasing greenhouse gas accumulation on earth (IPCC, 2021). With the rise of global temperature averages, the frequency and severity of climate events increase; disasters such as drought, excessive precipitation, floods and storms become more common. This situation threatens not only the natural environment but also human life, agricultural production, biodiversity and economic stability (NASA, 2025). The level of awareness of individuals and societies stands out as a determining factor in the fight against climate change. This awareness covers the processes of acquiring information, developing attitudes towards environmental problems and exhibiting sustainable behaviors. However, awareness is not limited to environmental information; it also refers to a multidimensional level of consciousness that includes ethical, cultural and social responsibilities (UNESCO, 2020). Research shows that individuals developing positive attitudes towards the environment is effective in gaining sustainable life habits. However, in order for this transformation to take place, not only individual awareness but also institutions and states need to produce supportive policies (Kollmuss & Agyeman, 2002). Higher education institutions are key actors in combating climate change in terms of both academic knowledge production and the potential to create behavioral transformation in society. Universities not only conduct scientific research; they also have the responsibility to lead with environmental policies and practices that will set an example for students, employees and the surrounding society (McCowan, 2019). In this context, evaluating the awareness levels of academic and administrative staff working at universities regarding climate change is extremely important in terms of developing institutional sustainability strategies. This research aims to examine the awareness levels of staff working at Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University regarding climate change in terms of knowledge, attitude and behavior dimensions. At the same time, the effects of demographic variables such as gender, age, type of duty and level of education on this awareness were analyzed. The study also evaluates the reflection of awareness levels on behaviors by revealing the relationships between knowledge-attitude-behavior. In this respect, the research is one of the rare studies that evaluate the awareness of personnel working in higher education institutions in Türkiye regarding climate change and address the relationship of these awareness levels with certain variables in a holistic manner. The data presented by the research will not only define individual awareness levels, but will also guide the sustainability policies to be developed at the university level.