An assessment of the level of awareness of the effects of climate change among students of tertiary institutions in Jalingo Metropolis, Taraba State Nigeria

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the major global challenges of the 21st century. It has been observed that the developing countries of the world (Nigeria inclusive) will suffer most from the impacts of climate change. As the world battles with measures of finding lasting solution to the problem of climate change, this study examines the level of awareness of the problem among students of tertiary institutions in Jalingo Metropolis of Taraba state, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design using data collection instrument such as questionnaire was adopted. Two hundred and twenty five (225) students were drawn disproportionately from the tertiary institutions in Jalingo Metropolis. Structured questionnaire and focus group discussion were used in eliciting information from the student on their knowledge of climate change, effects of climate change on the individual and community and ways of reducing the effects of the problem. The frequency counts and item analysis method were used to analyse the data collected. The result of the findings shows that 18.2% of the students interviewed have never heard about climate change before. Of the 81.8% that have heard about climate change, 89%do not know what climate change is all about, its causes, effects, and possible adaptive or mitigative measures. This study recommends the need to establish climate change awareness club in the tertiary institutions in Jalingo metropolis of Taraba State and the nation at large so as to mobilize the students who are future leaders on the importance of bracing up to the challenges of climate change. Key words: Assessment, awareness, climate change, student, tertiary institution.