Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges to agricultural sustainability, particularly in regions such as Eastern Europe where traditional farming practices and socio-economic transitions intersect. This study examines the dual dimensions of climate change impact—both biophysical and communicative—by exploring how language shapes environmental awareness and influences adaptation strategies within agricultural communities. The research investigates the relationship between linguistic framing, policy discourse, and local perceptions of climate change in rural areas of Romania, Hungary, and Croatia. Through a mixed-method approach combining discourse analysis of agricultural policies and qualitative interviews with farmers, educators, and students in agricultural sciences, the study highlights the central role of language in constructing meanings around sustainability and resilience. Findings indicate that terminology related to “sustainable farming,” “climate-smart agriculture,” and “ecological responsibility” often differs across national and linguistic contexts, leading to varied interpretations and levels of engagement with adaptation measures. The study argues that effective communication strategies and the harmonization of environmental terminology are essential for bridging the gap between scientific knowledge and local practices. By integrating linguistic and agricultural perspectives, this paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how communication and terminology influence both the perception and practical implementation of climate-adaptive agricultural methods in Eastern Europe. The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in promoting sustainability, suggesting that language is not merely a tool for information transfer but a determinant of environmental behavior and policy.

agriculture, awareness, sustainbility, environmental proteection, languages

agronomy

Presentation: poster