TERTIARY STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF CLIMATE CHANGE: A CASE STUDY OF A
SELECTED UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
Introduction: Climate change (CC) is harming the planet. All of society
should be involved in managing climate changes or it will become
uncontrollable. Students should not be left out as they are regarded as
important to the society and in a good position to deal with the changes
because they will become tomorrow’s decision makers and influencers.
Problem statement: It is unclear whether students at tertiary
institutions are aware of climate change.
Aim of study: The aim of the research was to explore the level of
climate change awareness of tertiary students.
Research methodology: The research adopted the objectivist ontology. A
positivist approach was followed and the research approach was
deductive. The intent of the study was to generalise what tertiary
students think and know about climate change, therefore, the survey
strategy was appropriate. Questionnaires were used to collect data from
603 students who participated in the study. The data were analysed using
MS Excel and SPSS available at the university. A factors analysis was
also performed. In total, 42 findings were identified.
Ethics: Participants were informed of the purpose of the study and their
rights to privacy. No cultural or any other sensitive questions were
asked, and participants had the option to participate in the study and
withdraw at any time.
Finding: Students are aware of climate change, but more needs to be done
to empower students to become advocates of climate change.