Abstract

Title: Durham Climate Emergency and Perceptions of Climate Change Among Post Secondary Students

Authors: Alexander Ballah (100551201)

Jillian Weber (100659974)

Research Advisor: Dr Amit Arora

Introduction

Durham region declared a climate emergency in 2019. The purpose of this study was to understand what this means to the student population. Further, we wanted to gather available knowledge as well as gaps on this subject to assess student perception of climate change. 

Our findings will inform concerned stakeholders of the existing knowledge gaps who can develop interventions to equip students with information to make sustainable choices. Student populations from Durham region (Durham College, Ontario Tech, and Trent Durham) were recruited for this study.

Methods

In addition to a literature review, data was collected through an online survey of current students attending eligible post-secondary institutions. The data was collected during the period of March 18, 2022 to March 25, 2022, and participants were recruited by word of mouth and postings through social media and online messaging platforms. 

Results

At the time of this writing, sixty-two participants had responded to the survey and responses were analyzed using Google Forms. The results showed that while student’s knowledge in some areas regarding climate change was limited, 92.3% felt that climate change threatens their personal health and safety. Students disclosed that additional resources were needed to improve their climate change knowledge and 94.2% felt that increasing the number of environmentally focused electives, seminars, and initiatives offered by their post secondary institution would be the most helpful way to address this knowledge gap. 

Discussion

A goal of 200 respondents was set but due to time restrictions and other limitations, response rates were only approximately 31% of our goal at the time of this writing. The findings of this study suggest that while aware of the dangers of climate change and the severity of the current situation, many students feel ill equipped with their current knowledge and access to resources to address this. The information gathered from the survey may be used as precedent for further research, to help identify mass knowledge gaps within varying groups of the public, or to better future action plans to help combat climate change and introduce sustainable solutions.