Perceptions and Awareness of Climate Change on Environmental Stewardship

Abstract

Despite the climate change debate, the climate is changing. Human society is impacted by a variety of factors such as new precipitation patterns, rising temperature, and other changes. Nevertheless, changes in human behavior can help reduce climate change. Human perceptions and attitudes are also necessary for environmental stewardship. Good environmental stewardship can reduce the misuse of environmental resources. This can somewhat help in the climate change issue. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to examine the relationship that existed between the awareness of climate change and environmental stewardship of local residents of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Electronic and paper surveys were administered to 317 participants at two local beaches. Results from the survey indicated that there were significant associations between residency and certain environmental stewardship behavior (stop buying fashion that was produced quickly and inexpensively) and participants’ perceptions of events caused by the warming of the earth. Understanding the importance of educating the community on climate change, the information obtained in the survey led to the creation of a science program at a local junior high school.