Knowledge and Perception of Issues of Climate Change in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the perception and extent to which the people of Awka South local government area are knowledgeable about climate change and related issues. Two hundred and seven respondents were drawn using a combination of multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. Statistical analysis was accomplished by the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested using chi-square statistics. The findings reveal that there is a low level of knowledge of climate change in the study area despite relatively high level of education in the area. There is also a significant relationship between level of education and knowledge of climate change, whereas there is no relationship between occupation of respondents and knowledge of socio-economic effects of climate change. It is recommended that public enlightenment/ sensitization on climate change should be initiated given the environmental devastation consequent upon it. There is also need to enrich geography and social studies curricula for schools in the area with current issues such as climate change to broaden their knowledge and ensure that high level of education ultimately leads to improved knowledge/awareness of climate change and its consequences.