Public perception and concern about heat waves, air and noise pollution in Barcelona

Abstract

Environmental stressors pose significant threats to human wellbeing, particularly in urban areas. This study examines public perception of three prevalent environmental risks in Barcelona: heat stress, air pollution, and noise. Drawing from an online survey of Barcelona residents, we investigate the degree of concern regarding these risks and identify patterns among different socio-demographic groups. Our findings reveal distinct levels of concern among the three environmental risks, with heat stress eliciting the highest level of concern. Additionally, we observe variations in concern levels across socio-demographic factors, such as age, gender, and education and other correlates such as place attachment and subjective wellbeing. Examining the profiles of those most concerned, we identify individuals with higher levels of environmental sensitivity. Our analysis provides valuable insights into public perception of environmental stressors in the urban context and highlights the need for tailored interventions to address these concerns effectively.