½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ

Main Findings from the Climate Change Survey disseminated across the ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ community on the occasion of World Environment Day

In commemoration of , celebrated annually on 5 June, a climate change survey was conducted across the University of Malta community. The initiative was led by Prof. Valerie Sollars, Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning & Sustainability, and aimed to better understand the perceptions, emotions, and priorities of staff and students in relation to climate change.

The survey was distributed as a short invitation to members of staff and students across the University, focusing on climate change as the central theme of this year’s World Environment Day activities. Participants were asked to share three words they associate with climate change, indicate their emotional responses from a given list, identify campus operations in need of urgent improvement, and provide a personal sentence expressing their hopes for action by the University.

A total of 276 participants responded. The largest group of respondents came from academic staff (110), followed by administrative staff (76), and students (68).

The findings show that the majority of respondents associate climate change with emotions such as worry, frustration, and anxiety. This highlights a strong sense of concern within the University community regarding the impacts and implications of climate change.

When asked about campus operations requiring immediate attention, respondents most frequently identified energy efficiency in buildings as the top priority. This was followed by sustainable commuting, indicating a clear focus on reducing the University’s environmental footprint through both infrastructure and transport-related improvements.

The survey also collected open-ended responses, giving participants the opportunity to express their personal concerns and wishes for the University’s response to climate change. These responses are available in full online and provide valuable insight into community expectations and priorities.

The findings are intended to help identify key areas where the University of Malta can begin to take action. By addressing these priorities, the University can further enhance its sustainability credentials while strengthening its broader mission of advancing knowledge, empowering students, and contributing positively to society.

Prof. Sollars expressed her gratitude to all participants for their contributions and support, as well as for their engagement in sustainability-related initiatives organised over the past three years.