Search Results (91)

The global youth mental health crisis is increasingly intertwined with climate change, as young people experience heightened climate anxiety and ecological grief. This study examines the relationship between nature connectedness, climate worry, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes among Canadian university students. Drawing on Pihkala’s process model of eco-anxiety, we propose the Developing Ecological Consciousness Model, a three-act framework that traces young people’s journey from climate awareness to meaningful engagement. Using path analysis on two independent samples (N = 1825), we found that nature connectedness predicts increased climate worry, which in turn correlates with higher levels of depression and anxiety. However, meaning-focused coping emerged as a protective factor, mitigating these negative mental health impacts. Problem-focused coping alone was insufficient, highlighting the need for balanced strategies. The study underscores the dual role of nature connectedness—both as a source of climate distress and a foundation for resilience. These findings highlight the need for interventions that foster ecological consciousness while addressing the emotional toll of climate change, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners working with youth in a warming world. Full article

Background: This review explores the influence of eco-anxiety on sustainable consumption, with a specific focus on the urban context. While the literature on green consumerism continues to expand, the role of emotional and psychological factors, especially eco-anxiety, in shaping sustainable consumption decisions remains underexplored. Most existing studies emphasize cognitive, social, or contextual drivers, often overlooking affective dimensions that may significantly influence consumer behavior. Addressing this gap, the review examines how emotional responses to climate change, such as eco-anxiety, inform and potentially motivate eco-friendly consumption patterns. Understanding these affective pathways offers valuable insights on how individuals and urban communities can effectively adapt to climate change and establish a sustainable consumption culture. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in Scopus and Web of Sciences databases, following a predefined keyword strategy, resulting in 56 initial records. We further implemented a supplementary search of gray literature on Google Scholar to search for additional reports. The full-text screening process identified 12 eligible studies based on the following inclusion criteria: quantitative or mixed-methods studies focusing on adult and young adult individuals, including both measures of eco-anxiety and green consumption and assessing their direct or indirect relationship. Results: Findings suggest that eco-anxiety functions as a cognitive–affective motivator for sustainable consumer choices; however, the strength and direction of this influence appear contingent on moderating emotional and psychological variables and cross-cultural and demographic moderators. Discussion: This review highlights the need for urban-focused intervention tailored communication, marketing, and business strategies that address the emotional dimensions of climate change. Policymakers and businesses are encouraged to consider affective drivers as eco-anxiety to promote sustainable consumption stewardship within urban communities. By addressing these psychological responses, urban societies can become more resilient and proactive in confronting climate change challenges. Full article

This article explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital marketing through social and mobile networks and its role in fostering sustainable consumer behavior. AI enhances personalization, sentiment analysis, and campaign automation, reshaping marketing dynamics and enabling brands to engage interactively with users. A quantitative study conducted on 501 social media users evaluates how perceived benefits, risks, trust, transparency, satisfaction, and social norms influence the acceptance of AI-driven marketing tools. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), the findings show that social norms and perceived transparency significantly enhance trust in AI, while perceived benefits and satisfaction drive user acceptance; conversely, perceived risks and negative emotions undermine trust. From a sustainability perspective, AI supports the efficient targeting and personalization of eco-conscious content, aligning marketing with environmentally responsible practices. This study contributes to ethical AI and sustainable digital strategies by offering empirical evidence and practical insights for responsible AI integration in marketing. Full article

The accelerating climate crisis demands innovative approaches that address both systemic drivers of environmental degradation and the psychological barriers to sustained pro-environmental action. Traditional climate communication often relies on fear-based messaging, which risks triggering eco-anxiety, disengagement, or paralysis, ultimately underlying long-term behavioral change. This paper proposes mindfulness as an evidence-based alternative to foster sustained pro-environmental behavior (PEB) by integrating insights from neurocognitive science, self-determination theory (SDT), and social diffusion theory. We present a novel framework outlining five pathways through which mindfulness cultivates PEB: (1) enhanced emotional regulation, (2) intrinsic motivation and value-behavior alignment, (3) nature connectedness, (4) collective action, and (5) cognitive flexibility. Critically, we examine structural barriers to scaling mindfulness interventions—including inequities, commercialization risks, and the individualism paradox—and propose mitigation strategies grounded in empirical research. By bridging contemplative science with sustainability praxis, this work advances SDG-aligned strategies (SDG 12, 13) that prioritize both inner resilience and systemic change. It offers a roadmap for research and practice beyond fear-based approaches. Full article

In the context of climate change, it becomes of utmost importance to limit the negative impact of industrial activities on carbon emissions, water stress, biodiversity loss, and natural resources depletion. Whether we consider the situation from a product-centered perspective (life cycle, R&D&I process, tools, methods, design, production, etc.) or from a human-centered perspective (habits, practices, fixation, strategic orientations, emotional sensitivity, etc.), coming years will represent a formidable upheaval for companies. To support this transition, various tools assessing products’ impact have been developed over the past decade. They aim at guiding decision makers, integrating new criteria to assess project success, and promoting the development and industrialization of solutions answering pressing environmental issues. If assessment is a key factor of success, it has become clear that processes and practices also need to evolve for practitioners to properly integrate sustainable requirements from the initial stages of their project. In that context, biomimicry, the approach aimed at taking nature as a model to support the design of more sustainable solutions, has been the center of growing interest. However, no integrated methods exist in the cosmetics sector to assess if a product is properly developed through biomimicry. This missing framework led to difficulties for cosmetic companies to support eco-design through biomimicry. In this article, we present a method called Biomim’Index developed by L’Oréal research and innovation sustainable development team to address three objectives: (i) to characterize cosmetic technologies according to whether they are based on bioinspiration, biomimetics or biomimicry; (ii) to guide the project’s leaders to identify key steps to improve existing cosmetic technologies through biomimicry; and (iii) to support the integration of biomimicry as an operational approach towards the development of new sustainable cosmetic technologies. This method, focusing on the problem-driven biomimetic approach is based on a combination of procedural requirements from the biomimetics TC288 18458:2015 ISO norm and environmental design requirements from L’Oréal for the Future (L4TF) commitments. Results present a proof of concept to outline the method’s efficiency and limits to support innovative eco-designed projects and value cosmetic technologies designed through biomimicry. Full article

Given recent geopolitical shifts to abandon an organized response to the climate crisis and the projections of the 2023 IPCC report, scientists have confirmed that climate collapse is likely, if not inevitable. In this perspective paper, we pose two questions: What is the job of a sustainability educator at this point in the climate crisis? What good is hope if the object of hopefulness is not achievable? We examine these questions through a literature review of climate emotions and hope discourse in sustainability education, narrowing our focus to critical hope. Building on existing research, we contend that a sustainability educator’s job in this phase of climate collapse is to convey a praxis of critical hope, which attends to the following realms: (a) the core sustainability curriculum, (b) engagement with emotions and coping skills, (c) the interrogation of complex systems and embedded injustices, and (d) pathways and strategies for organized action. The discussion presented herein analyzes student reflections from a higher-education sustainability course that integrated the principles of critical hope into applied projects. Ultimately, a praxis of critical hope might allow sustainability educators to encounter the dire realities of the climate crisis while sustaining themselves and their students through a long-term labor of love. Full article

The issue of environmental protection and nature conservation has gained global importance, and its solution requires not only scientific and technological efforts but also the education of an environmentally conscious and active young generation. Children’s literature serves as an effective means for this task. The article analyzes the eco-pedagogical potential of contemporary Ukrainian children’s literature through the prism of young eco-rebels. These characters inspire readers with their emotional power, eco-centric worldview, and bold resistance to environmental injustice. They contribute to the formation of ecological values in readers through emotional impact. Based on the ecocritical interpretation and typological comparison of Ghosts of Black Oak Wood by Bachynskyi and Taming of Kychera by Polyanko, we observe that the components of representation of the ecological topic are problematic eco-situation; behavior models, young eco-rebels’ actions and deeds; and eco-initiatives. The article further presents the results of ecocritical dialogues on environmental topics with 26 readers aged 14–15 (Ukraine). The methodology included interactive tools (e.g., Padlet) and surveys, which revealed that literary engagement promoted critical thinking, empathy, and personal eco-involvement. The findings confirm that children’s literature, when integrated with dialogic and participatory teaching methods, can serve as a powerful tool for shaping environmental literacy and civic responsibility in youth. Full article

As a crucial component of cultural heritage, industrial heritage possesses considerable cultural, historical, and economic significance. The key challenge for industrial heritage sites is to foster eco-conscious actions among visitors while boosting tourism spending. Based on the S-O-R theory, we constructed a relationship model between authenticity, place attachment and environmental responsibility behavior through structural equation modeling and tested it with the survey data of tourists in Maoming open-pit mine ecological park. Findings reveal that both the object-related authenticity and the existential authenticity of the experience enhance the sense of reliance and belonging to the place, with the former also directly promoting visitors’ eco-conscious actions. In contrast, experiential authenticity does not exert a direct effect on eco-conscious actions. The sense of place reliance and identity are found to be significantly and positively linked to eco-conscious behavior. Furthermore, place reliance and identity act as intermediaries in the relationship between object authenticity, experiential authenticity, and eco-conscious behavior, serving as a sequential mediating factor. The study suggests strategies such as augmenting financial support to preserve the authenticity of the site, prioritizing the enhancement of infrastructure and the creation of cultural offerings to elicit emotional responses, and reinforcing emotional bonds to encourage eco-conscious actions. Full article

This study investigates the relationship between climate change, urban greening, and health perceptions among university students within higher education. Grounded in environmental psychology and sustainability science, it explores how well-being is shaped by climate–health awareness, eco-anxiety, and perceived access to urban green spaces. A mixed-methods approach was employed, using structured questionnaires to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses to climate change and sustainability. The findings indicate a high awareness of the health impacts of climate change, especially concerning mental well-being. Urban green spaces were recognized as positively influencing emotional resilience, physical activity, and environmental quality. However, despite this awareness, limited engagement in sustainability-oriented behaviors was identified, indicating an action gap. The study suggests the creation of a Climate Health Assessment Indicator to evaluate climate–health literacy and behavioral readiness among academic populations systematically. It also emphasizes integrating identity-based interventions into educational frameworks to support the transition from awareness to sustainable action. Positioned within the broader framework of the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—this research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on integrating sustainability and human well-being in academic and urban contexts. Full article

Climate change (CC) is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Research suggests that pro-environmental behaviors (PEB) are essential to address this crisis, encompassing sustainable consumption (e.g., recycling or saving energy) and active participation (e.g., protesting or donating). In this regard, young adults play a significant role as change agents. Considering the previous literature affirming the importance of CC emotions on PEB, this study aims to analyze the mediating role of eco-worry and eco-anxiety in the relationship between two cognitive antecedents (general willingness to behave pro-environmentally and CC agency) and two types of PEB (sustainable consumption and active participation). To do so, we gathered a sample of 308 young adults aged 18 to 30 years. Results show that eco-worry mediates the relationships between both antecedents (willingness and CC agency) with sustainable consumption and active participation. In contrast, eco-anxiety in young adults only mediates the relationship between CC agency and active participation. Our findings suggest that eco-worry plays a crucial role in promoting PEB more broadly, while eco-anxiety appears to be only relevant in influencing active participation. These results contrast with others observed in the adult population, so further studies are needed to confirm these findings. Full article

This study examined the diverse factors influencing green consumption behavior among Chinese consumers through a comprehensive, data-driven approach that integrated multiple machine learning models, including Gaussian naïve Bayes, K-nearest neighbor, multilayer perceptron, and XGBoost models. By analyzing emotional, product-related, cultural, social, and personal dimensions, this research identified key determinants that shape consumer engagement in sustainable consumption. Unlike conventional studies that rely on linear models or survey-based analyses, this study leveraged machine learning to uncover complex, nonlinear interactions between these factors. The findings reveal that emotional drivers, particularly guilt and pride, play a pivotal role in green consumption decisions, while cultural and product-related factors also exhibit significant influence. This study contributes methodologically by employing a multidimensional, multilevel analytical framework, enhancing the robustness of the findings. Furthermore, the results underscore the importance of policy and marketing strategies that effectively target emotional and social influences to cultivate a sustainable consumer culture. These insights provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and businesses seeking to promote green consumption and advance global sustainability efforts. Full article

The article explores the development of Baltic Sustainable Boating 2030 (BSB2030), a cross-border destination brand for the Baltic Sea Region. Based on stakeholder engagement from 2022–2024, including a branding workshop and preliminary market testing at BOOT Düsseldorf 2024, the study highlights how shared maritime identity and sustainability values can support transnational branding. The findings show that multi-level stakeholder involvement and values-based narratives strengthen regional appeal, yet the brand still lacks emotional resonance, clear messaging, and coherent governance. While BSB2030 successfully promotes eco-consciousness, regional diversity, and accessibility, it faces challenges related to long-term strategy, financing, and cross-border communication. Full article

Ecocritical children’s literature research in the 2020s focuses on eco-activism, especially climate activism. Although the causes of activism have changed, different kinds of dissent are still relevant. This article focuses on Mika Wickström’s novel Vastakarvaan (Against the Grain, published in 2002), which describes a young Finnish student’s ethical dilemma: her eco-anarchist friends are planning an attack on a fur farm that the protagonist’s family owns. It evaluates the novel with new theoretical insights from affective ecocriticism and narrative empathy, and the main concepts that have been explored are youth activism and types of dissent. The analysis is grounded in the concept of strategic empathy, exploring the ways in which emotions and ethical decisions of the protagonist are represented in physical, social, and temporal settings: how types of dissent are presented and how bounded strategic empathy, ambassadorial strategic empathy, and broadcast strategic empathy are presented. The analysis demonstrates how the protagonist’s dilemma is emphasized in different stages of dissent: her decision to participate in the attack or not is debated on different levels of narration. Full article

Urban noise pollution significantly degrades people’s health and well-being and, furthermore, traditional noise reduction strategies often overlook individual perception differences. This study proposed to explore the role of eco-acoustic indices in capturing the interplay between biophony, geophony, and anthrophony, and their relationship with classical acoustic metrics and the perceived soundscapes within a University Campus (University of “Mila-no-Bicocca”, Italy). The study area is divided in to eight different sites in “Piazza della Scienza” square. Sound measurements and surveys conducted in June 2023 across four paved sites and adjacent courtyards involved 398 participants (51.7% female, 45.6% male, 2.7% other). The main noise sources included road traffic, technical installations, and human activity, where traffic noise was more prominent at street-level sites (Sites 1–4) and technical installations dominated underground courtyards (6–8). Human activity was most noticeable at Sites 4–8, especially at Site 5, which showed the highest activity levels. A circumplex model revealed that street-level sites were less pleasant and eventful than courtyards. Pairwise comparisons of noise variability showed significant differences among sites, with underground locations offering quieter environments. Eco-acoustic analysis identified two site groups: one linked to noisiness and spectral features, the other to intensity distribution metrics. Technical installations, people, and traffic noises showed distinct correlations with acoustic indices, influencing emotional responses like stimulation and liveliness. These findings emphasize the need to integrate subjective perceptions with objective noise metrics in soundscape descriptions. Full article

Emotions play an important role in today’s tourism practice. In order to understand how emotional experiences are created, we first must consider that emotions are subjective and subliminal constructs. These are conditioned by individual personality and influenced by social, cultural and spatial contexts. The aim of this research is to identify tourists’ emotional experiences in European Capitals of Culture (ECoCs), to explain disparities and to suggest ways of action in tourism practice. For this study, we combine quantitative and qualitative methods, using an extended statistical and text database, as well as official documents on each ECoC. The results of this study show how the cultural agenda of ECoCs stimulates and influences specific feelings and emotions among tourists. Emotional dimensions were also correlated with cultural vibrancy, creative economy and enabling environment, and this paper discusses these statistical results. The majority of the documents regarding the cultural programmes of ECoCs illustrated and emphasised emotional experiences, either by focusing on the emotional characteristics of the ECoC or by trying to create and produce emotional experiences. On the basis of our findings, we draw conclusions on the conceptual and methodological relevance of our main hypothesis, stating that cultural programmes of ECoCs influence tourists’ experiences. Full article