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Understanding Climate Change Attitudes: An Analysis of Stonehill College Student Perspectives
Type of Session
Poster Presentation
Abstract
Climate change is a global, controversial, and complex issue. Understanding
attitudes towards climate change is a critical topic of research; attitudes need to be
considered in planning for mitigation and adaptation. In particular, perceptions of people
from 18 to 22 are significant to examine, as such young adults are perhaps the first
generation directly to face climate change and their participation in addressing climate
change is crucial. I asked the following questions in my research: what do Catholics
versus non-Catholics, Democrats versus Republicans, Seniors versus Freshmen, Females
versus Males, and Business majors versus Natural Science majors at Stonehill College
think about climate change? 762 students were surveyed online with a 35 question
survey. Data analysis revealed that non-Catholics express higher concern over climate
change and perceive climate change as a more significant issue than Catholics.
Democrats express more concern over climate change and view climate change as a more
important problem than Republicans. Furthermore, Seniors express slightly higher
concern and perceive climate change as a more significant issue than freshmen. Females
also express more concern and view climate change as a more important problem than
males. Finally, Business majors express higher concern in some areas compared to
Natural Science majors but do not perceive climate change as a more significant issue
overall.