RCT Database for A randomised controlled trial of the effect of a nature–based intervention on climate capability in teenagers

We are experiencing a climate and biodiversity crisis unprecedented in the history of mankind. This novel randomized controlled trial tested an intervention to change climate capability in teenagers. At baseline, prior to allocation, climate capability was measured using the climate capability scale in all participants. The intervention consisted of weekly online climate education and motivation messages and a supervised field trip. The primary outcome was change in climate capability score between baseline and follow-up. A total of 116 students were invited to participate and 86 (73%) agreed to do so with all completing baseline data and 83 (97%) providing outcome data. There was evidence of a significant intervention effect (p<0.01); with an increase in mean climate capability score of 8.2 (4.9 – 11.5) favoring the intervention. A nature-based intervention increased climate capability in teenagers with an associated rise in eco-anxiety. The trial was registered with ISRCTN on 26/10/24 (No: 46298/ www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN18655072).