Climate Change Perception and Sustainable Behaviors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Italy

Background: This study aimed to evaluate risk perception about climate change and the sustainable behaviors adopted by adults. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was administered between February and April 2024 among parents of adolescents in southern Italy. Results: A total of 765 parents agreed to participate in the survey, and the average respondents’ age was 47.3 years (28–78). Overall, 67.6% of respondents were extremely concerned that heat waves will negatively affect future generations. This concern was higher among respondents aged 41–50 years and >50 years, males, those who did not need additional information about climate change, and those who had received information about climate change. Regarding climate change concerns, 25.9% and 52.1% of participants were very or extremely concerned about climate change, respectively. Males, those who had one child, respondents aged 41–50 years and >50 years, and those who did not need additional information about climate change were significantly more likely to have concerns about climate change. Moreover, 34.5% of respondents engaged in sustainable behaviors. Finally, those who believed that climate change will negatively affect future generations and those who were extremely concerned that heat waves will negatively affect future generations were significantly more likely to engage in behaviors that mitigate the impact of climate change than those who were not concerned. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to plan and design interventions on this topic.