The impact of climate change awareness on green space development preferences in Warsaw, Poland
Wpływ świadomości zmian klimatycznych (CCA) na preferencje dotyczące rozwoju terenów zieleni – wyniki badań przeprowadzonych w Warszawie
Sylwan 169 (7):499-514, 2025
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26202/sylwan.2025040Available online: 2025-10-12
Open Access (CC-BY)
climate−resilient • green and blue infrastructure • respondents • urban planning
Climate change primarily impacts large cities which often struggle with the effects of violent weather phenomena. Creating climate−resilient urban environments requires top−down strategies, comprehensive action plans, and broad public support for initiatives that enhance urban resilience. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between climate change awareness among residents and their multifaceted preferences for urban green space development related to the differentiation of social characteristics. The research was conducted in 2024 and involved a sample of 731 residents of Warsaw aged 18 to 65. Respondents’ perception of the importance of green infrastructure elements in their neighbourhoods was assessed, categorising them by their self−perceived levels of climate change awareness (low, medium, high). The results indicate that individuals with a high level of climate change awareness consistently rated various green elements – such as green squares, large parks, and green stripes – as more important and desired elements than those in other categories with statistically significant differences confirmed by the Mann−Whitney U test. Moreover, those with a higher climate change awareness showed a greater interest in implementing ecological solutions, such as flower meadows and rain gardens compared to individuals with lower awareness. This underscores a significant correlation between climate change awareness and support for green infrastructure. In conclusion, while urban green areas are critical, it is also important to acknowledge the role of green spaces and street greenery in adaptation to climate change integrated with the well−being of urban residents. Our study results meet the strategic guidelines and legal requirements for urban planning policies in the European Union which include increasing the share of green areas in cities and greater tree canopy coverage.
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