Exploring children’s perception of environmental change in the Mexican mediterranean

Abstract

This study investigates children’s perceptions of environmental change and their connection to nature in Mexico’s Mediterranean region, an area of global ecological significance. We used a convergent mixed methods design to analyze data from 392 fourth through sixth graders from urban, peri-urban, and rural schools. Integrating quantitative and qualitative data, particularly children’s drawings and descriptions, provides a comprehensive view of how children relate to nature and perceive environmental changes. The findings showed a high connection to nature among children, regardless of gender or geographical area. Analyzing the drawings and narratives allowed us to identify three groups of children according to their environmental perceptions. One group had a negative or catastrophic perspective on the future of the environment, another group had a positive and hopeful outlook, and a third group lacked awareness of significant environmental changes, indicating varying attitudes among children toward environmental issues. All groups are unaware of key issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change. This study underscores the critical need for environmental education tailored to local contexts, highlighting the importance of fostering a deeper understanding of environmental challenges among the younger generation.