Adolescents’ perceptions of climate change in urban Sri Lanka: Awareness, health impacts, and aspirations for action

Abstract

Introduction: Climate change, driven primarily by human activities, poses significant global health challenges. Adolescents, being at a formative stage of development, are increasingly aware of these impacts. This study investigates how adolescents in urban Sri Lanka perceive the health effects of climate change and their associated anxieties. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for developing effective public health strategies and educational interventions.

Methods: This qualitative study involved adolescents aged 11 to 16 from two government schools in Colombo Education Zone, Sri Lanka. Data was collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) from 105 participants, and a thematic analysis was performed to analyze the data. The FGDs explored participants' awareness of climate change, its health impacts, their actions towards mitigating climate change, and their future plans.

Results: Adolescents perceived climate change as severe, citing its impacts on health, such as heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues, and mental health concerns. Many expressed anxieties over the issue, feeling overwhelmed by its scale. Despite this, participants proposed interventions including tree planting, energy conservation, and raising awareness, while recognizing the need for systemic changes. Intended actions ranged from continuing personal environmental practices to advocating for broader societal efforts. However, some participants reported uncertainty about effective contributions.

Conclusions: Adolescents in urban Sri Lanka are acutely aware of the severity of climate change and its health impacts, with varying levels of engagement in addressing the issue. Educational initiatives should bridge gaps in knowledge and foster actionable steps, empowering adolescents to contribute effectively. Strengthening individual agency and integrating collective responsibility through community and policy support are critical for impactful climate action.