Chios Residents Acknowledge the Impacts of Climate Change and Are Ready to Take Action for the Future of Their Island

Climate change is recognised by the residents of Chios as a real (96%) and serious problem (70%), generating feelings of fear among nearly three out of four respondents, as well as anxiety and frustration. This is likely linked to the fact that 67% state that the impacts of climate change are already visible on their island and may prove devastating for Chios, with wildfires representing the greatest source of concern. In addition, residents express concern about water and food scarcity, seasonal variability, and impacts on agriculture and livestock farming. Finally, according to 86% of respondents, the protection of public health is considered a top priority in addressing climate change.

Nevertheless, residents believe that it is not yet too late to take action. Although they consider national governments to bear primary responsibility for addressing climate change (a view shared by nearly three out of four respondents), the people of Chios feel strongly connected to their place and are willing to act, while calling for greater mobilisation from the business and industrial sectors. Notably, 88% state that they feel a moral obligation to contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change.

It is noteworthy that only 55% of Chios residents primarily attribute climate change to human activities—an interesting finding, as this figure is significantly lower than the national average of 90% (diaNEOsis survey, 2022). This gap in understanding is further reinforced by the belief held by one in three respondents that there is conflicting scientific evidence on the issue.

This challenge is addressed by the Chios Climate Chance (CCC) programme, implemented by the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA), with co-funding from the Maria Tsakos Foundation and the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation.

As part of the programme, the present study was conducted exclusively among residents of Chios, ensuring full representativeness across all age groups and comprehensive geographical coverage. In total, 405 participants from 28 local communities responded to a questionnaire, while 117 representatives of citizens, local authorities and organisations took part in focus groups. The quantitative and qualitative findings are synthesised in this Results Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the local community’s understanding of and concerns about climate change. These insights will inform the design of a participatory (bottom-up) awareness-raising campaign tailored to the specific needs of the local community. The programme will develop tools and actions suitable for all, regardless of age, educational background or professional role, with the aim of promoting understanding as a starting point for adopting a new mindset that will enable both adaptation to and mitigation of climate change.

Read the full Results Report, available here.

For more information about the programme: Chios Climate Chance