Increasing urban population, expanding resource consumption, increasing waste production, air pollution, pressure on urban infrastructure, and decreasing quality of living environment are among the consequences that have faced urban management with serious challenges.The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of environmental education on the accountability of citizens in Ahvaz in the process of transition toward a smart city. In terms of purpose, this study is applied, and in terms of method, it is a descriptive–survey study of a correlational type. The statistical population of the study included all citizens of Ahvaz, and the sample size was determined to be 384 individuals using Cochran’s formula. The samples were selected through a multistage cluster sampling method.

The data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. Its validity was confirmed through expert opinions, and its reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The data were analyzed using SPSS software through descriptive and inferential statistics, including Pearson’s correlation coefficient and regression analysis.

The findings of the study showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between environmental education, environmental awareness, and civic accountability. Moreover, the results of the regression analysis indicated that environmental education and environmental awareness have a positive and significant effect on citizens’ accountability, and that environmental awareness plays a more influential role in explaining civic accountability.

In this study, civic accountability was examined not only in relation to general responsibility but also in connection with issues such as waste and garbage management, protection of green spaces, and participation in preserving the urban environment. Overall, the results of the study indicate that environmental education and the promotion of public awareness can play an important role in increasing citizens’ responsibility and supporting sustainable development and smart city policies in Ahvaz.