Association between environmental literacy and carbon footprint awareness among future healthcare professionals

Climate change poses significant threats to global health, necessitating a healthcare workforce equipped to handle these challenges. This study aimed to evaluate the level of environmental literacy among nursing students and to determine its predictive impact on their carbon footprint awareness. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 402 undergraduate nursing students at a public university in eastern Türkiye. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Environmental Literacy Scale for Adults (ELSA) to assess environmental consciousness, concern, and awareness, and the Carbon Footprint Awareness Scale (CFAS) to measure climate-conscious daily behaviors. Participants demonstrated high environmental literacy (mean ELSA score: 79.01 ± 10.35) and substantial awareness (mean CFAS score: 68.19 ± 9.69). A strong, positive correlation existed between environmental literacy and carbon footprint awareness (r = 0.694; p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that environmental literacy is a significant predictor, explaining 48% of the variance in carbon footprint awareness (R2=0.480; F = 371.608; p < 0.001). Environmental literacy strongly predicts carbon footprint awareness. Integrating comprehensive planetary health and environmental literacy strategies into nursing curricula is essential to foster a generation of nurses conscious of their carbon footprint and capable of leading sustainable healthcare practices. © 2026 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.