Empowering Women for a Changing Climate: Exploring the Role of Environmental Literacy in Shaping Risk Perception and Climate Capability in Reproductive‐Age Women

Background Climate change is a growing global concern with significant implications for public health, especially for women of reproductive age. Environmental literacy, climate capability, and risk perception are crucial in shaping individuals' responses to climate change. Aim The study aimed to evaluate environmental literacy, climate capability, and climate change risk perception among women of reproductive age and explore their interrelationships. Methods A cross‐sectional descriptive design was employed with a two‐stage random sampling strategy. Three hundred thirty‐seven women were selected from four primary healthcare facilities in the Tanta district. The study used the Arabic versions of the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA), the Climate Capability Scale (CCS), and the Climate Change Risk Perception Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, correlation analysis, and reliability testing. Results The study showed that the mean score for environmental literacy was 63.2 (SD = 10.2), indicating moderate awareness among participants. The mean score for climate capability was 38.7 (SD = 7.1), suggesting a moderate ability to engage with climate‐related issues. The mean climate change risk perception score was 27.4 (SD = 5.4), indicating moderate risk awareness. Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between environmental literacy and climate capability ( r = 0.63, p < 0.001) and between climate capability and climate change risk perception ( r = 0.56, p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha values for the scales were 0.84 for ELSA, 0.87 for CCS, and 0.91 for the Climate Change Risk Perception Scale, indicating good internal consistency. Conclusion The findings highlight moderate levels of environmental literacy, climate capability, and risk perception among women of reproductive age. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing environmental literacy to strengthen climate capability and improve risk perception among this population. Implication As primary healthcare providers, nurses can significantly influence health promotion, particularly in vulnerable populations, by educating them about the health risks associated with climate change and encouraging preventive measures.