A GIS and statistical based approach to assessing citizen awareness of the energy transition and climate change across algerian climatic zones

Abstract This study analyses how citizens’ perceptions, behaviours, and socio-economic characteristics shape awareness of energy-transition and climate-change issues across Algeria’s main climatic zones. A mixed-methods design was adopted, drawing on a national survey conducted in 2024 (n = 1,204). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified three coherent latent constructs—behaviour, perception, and awareness—accounting for 74.9% of total variance. Climatic zoning based on the De Martone aridity index enabled the delineation of three representative climate contexts (arid, semi-arid, and semi-humid), allowing for a territorially sensitive assessment. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was then performed separately for each zone to analyse causal pathways among the latent variables. Results reveal that awareness is significantly influenced by both perception and behaviour in all climatic contexts, though the intensity and direction of these relationships vary geographically. Behaviour exerts stronger influence in arid and semi-arid regions, where awareness is more closely tied to concrete daily practices. In contrast, perception has the strongest effect on awareness in the semi-humid zone (β = 0.726, p < 0.001), indicating a more cognitively driven process. Perception and behaviour are consistently interrelated, with the strongest interaction observed in semi-humid areas (β = 0.533, p < 0.001). Socio-economic characteristics moderately influence behaviour in semi-arid regions and negatively affect perception in arid areas, reflecting persistent socio-spatial disparities. Overall, the findings demonstrate that awareness, perception, and behaviour operate as mutually reinforcing dimensions whose relative influence varies across climatic contexts. The study highlights the need for climate-sensitive and territorially differentiated public policies that integrate socio-behavioural drivers to strengthen citizen engagement and enhance the inclusiveness and effectiveness of national energy-transition strategies.