Perception, Attitude and Practices Regarding Climate Change among College Students in Coastal South India

Abstract

Introduction:From developing innovative practicesto reduce the effects of changing climate, and to the implementation of legislations the young people can contribute immensely. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional survey 375 college students from Mangaluru city were assessed regarding their perception, and attitude towards climate change and their practices towards mitigating it. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to commencement of the study. Results: The mean age of the student was 21.6 ± 2.6 years. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups on impacts of changing climate such as Changes in population of certain species, rising sea levels, increase in diseases and increase in flooding. (p<0.05). Reducing the use of electricity, and water, walking or cycling to work were the most commonly followed practices Conclusion: The study highlights the pressing need for changes in curricula in schools and colleges. Traditional diversion of students into science and non-science fields should be overcome by including climate change topics in junior school as part of subjects dealing with science and environment.Introduction:From developing innovative practicesto reduce the effects of changing climate, and to the implementation of legislations the young people can contribute immensely. Materials and Method: In this cross-sectional survey 375 college students from Mangaluru city were assessed regarding their perception, and attitude towards climate change and their practices towards mitigating it. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Institutional Ethics Committee approval was obtained prior to commencement of the study. Results: The mean age of the student was 21.6 ± 2.6 years. Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups on impacts of changing climate such as Changes in population of certain species, rising sea levels, increase in diseases and increase in flooding. (p<0.05). Reducing the use of electricity, and water, walking or cycling to work were the most commonly followed practices Conclusion: The study highlights the pressing need for changes in curricula in schools and colleges. Traditional diversion of students into science and non-science fields should be overcome by including climate change topics in junior school as part of subjects dealing with science and environment.