PERCEPCIJA GRAĐANA O KLIMATSKIM PROMJENAMA U HRVATSKOJ
PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN CROATIA

Summary/Abstract: Climate change represents one of the leading global challenges. Despite clear scientific evidence and numerous international and national initiatives aimed at tackling climate change, public attitudes and perceptions of this issue vary significantly among European countries. Although people generally express a high level of climate change concern, their willingness to change behaviour and actively participate in environmental protection measures depends on various factors. This research aims to determine the level of concern about climate change among citizens of the Republic of Croatia and to explore the relationship between climate change concern and different factors influencing citizens’ readiness to change their behaviour. The paper examines the differences between citizens who express concern and those who do not, as well as the impact of these differences on their participation in activities and measures to mitigate climate change, including using renewable energy sources. The findings indicate a positive correlation between the level of climate change concern and participation in measures and activities related to climate change mitigation. The results show that citizens generally display a low level of readiness for active participation in environmental protection measures and mitigation of adverse environmental impacts. Those concerned about the state of the environment tend to engage more in activities and measures aimed at mitigating climate change, particularly in renewable energy projects. At the same time, unconcerned citizens are less likely to undertake activities aimed at improving environmental conditions. Furthermore, the results suggest a negative relationship between citizens' climate change concern and their trust in local and national authorities regarding the effectiveness of climate and energy policies. These findings highlight the need for greater transparency and strengthening public trust in local and national institutions responsible for implementing environmental policies.The analysis of socio-demographic factors showed that men and younger individuals display greater concerns about climate change than women and older individuals. In contrast, the research found no statistically significant differences in climate change concern based on respondents' region of residence, level of education, or employment status. The results of this study emphasise the complexity of the relationship between climate change concern and willingness to participate in environmental protection measures.

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