Climate Change Worry, Hope, and Psychological Distance as Predictors of Pro-Environmental Behavior Among Pakistani University Students

Abstract

Climate change poses substantial environmental, social, and psychological challenges in Pakistan. This study examined the relationships of psychological distance, climate change worry, and climate change hope with pro-environmental behavior among Pakistani university students. A correlational survey design was used with 400 students aged 18–25 years recruited from public and private universities in Karachi through purposive sampling. Participants completed measures of psychological distance from climate change, climate change worry, climate change hope, and pro-environmental behavior. Pearson correlations and simple linear regression analyses were conducted. Climate change worry was positively associated with overall pro-environmental behavior, r = .48, p < .01, and was the strongest individual predictor, explaining 23% of the variance, R² = .23. Psychological distance was not significantly associated with overall pro-environmental behavior, r = −.02, p > .05, and climate change hope was not a significant predictor, R² = .01, p = .054. The findings suggest that climate concern may motivate environmental action when accompanied by practical, solution-focused pathways. Climate communication in Pakistan should combine realistic concern with self-efficacy, locally relevant examples, and clear opportunities for individual and collective action.