The climate crisis poses a serious and multidimensional threat to both humanity and natural ecosystems. It exacerbates existing social inequalities, disrupts ecological balances, and compromises the well-being of present and future generations. In this context, climate communication emerges as a fundamental instrument for raising public awareness and promoting meaningful individual and collective actions in response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change. The media play a central and strategic role in shaping public perceptions, framing discourses, and facilitating the dissemination of rigorous, evidence-based information. In particular, the rise of digital technologies has significantly transformed the context of climate communication. Internet platforms and social networks now constitute some of the most frequently used channels by young people to access information on climate change (CC).

The present study aims to explore the primary sources of climate-related information consulted by university students, with a specific focus on students enrolled in education degrees in Spain. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 85 students, assessing their levels of climate literacy and preferred sources of information. The findings reveal that social media, universities, and television are the most frequently cited sources, whereas initiatives by environmental organizations or NGOs are less commonly utilized. These results are consistent with broader research on the media consumption habits of younger audiences. Importantly, the recognition of the university as a credible and trusted source underlines the critical responsibility of higher education institutions in promoting climate literacy. This includes not only imparting scientific knowledge about climate change but also equipping students with critical thinking skills to locate, assess, and interpret the vast amount of climate information available online and across digital platforms.

Keywords: Climate change, environmental education, social media, climate awareness.