Awareness about Climate Change among Students: A Sustainable Future

Abstract

Climate change is a pressing global challenge that demands immediate attention and collective action. This study aims to assess the level of awareness about climate change among students and explore the potential implications for building a sustainable future. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from a diverse sample of students across various educational institutions. The quantitative phase involves distributing structured surveys to assess the baseline knowledge of students regarding climate change, its causes, consequences, and potential mitigation strategies. Additionally, the survey explores students’ attitudes towards sustainable practices and their perceptions of the role of individuals, governments, and corporations in addressing climate change. The qualitative phase consists of in-depth interviews with a subset of survey participants to delve deeper into their understanding of climate change concepts, sources of information, and factors influencing their attitudes and behaviours. These interviews provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing educational efforts and identify potential barriers to fostering sustainable behaviours among students. Preliminary findings reveal a range of awareness levels among students, with some displaying a comprehensive understanding of climate change while others exhibit misconceptions or limited knowledge. The study identifies formal education, social media, and environmental advocacy groups as key sources of information for students. Furthermore, it highlights the role of personal experiences, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic factors in shaping students’ perspectives on climate change. This study underscores the significance of integrating comprehensive climate change education into curricula across all educational levels. It also emphasizes the need for targeted awareness campaigns that leverage digital platforms and community engagement to enhance students’ understanding of climate change and inspire pro-environmental behaviors. By equipping students with accurate information and a sense of agency, educators and policymakers can contribute to a more informed and ecologically responsible citizenry, thereby fostering the foundation for a sustainable future.