Future Nurses in a Changing Climate: Exploring the Relationship Between Environmental Literacy and Climate Anxiety

Abstract

BackgroundClimate change significantly impacts public health, increasing the prevalence of respiratory, cardiovascular and mental health issues. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, need strong environmental literacy to manage these health challenges. This study explores how environmental literacy among nursing students relates to climate anxiety, aiming to improve educational strategies and mental health support for future nurses.Aim of the StudyIs to investigate how environmental literacy among nursing students affects their levels of climate anxiety.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey was utilised on a representative sample of 620 nursing students from each academic year.ToolsClimate anxiety scale and the environmental literacy scale for adults were used to collect data.ResultsEnvironmental literacy and its components were positively linked to cognitive‐emotional and functional impairments and climate anxiety. Gender differences were observed, with females experiencing higher climate anxiety. Increased environmental literacy generally reduced climate anxiety, particularly in females, emphasising gender differences in environmental literacy's impact on climate anxiety. Despite the model's low explanatory power (R2 = 0.026), the findings highlight the importance of gender differences in the relationship between environmental literacy and climate anxiety.Conclusion and ImplicationsNursing students show promise in their environmental knowledge but face significant climate anxiety. Gender differences in anxiety levels warrant attention. Addressing these concerns is crucial for preparing nurses to effectively address climate change's health effects and ensuring a resilient healthcare system. The study underscores the importance of integrating environmental literacy into nursing education and promoting pro‐environmental behaviours among nursing students and professionals. It highlights the crucial role of mental health support services, policy advocacy and ongoing research in addressing climate anxiety and preparing nurses to tackle the health impacts of climate change.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public involvement.