Climate change awareness and adaptation among Makerere University students

Abstract

Climate change is a global health threat and several efforts have been devoted to establishing awareness and adaptation to this change in different populations. Across different ages, the understanding of climate change differs by demographic characteristics. This study used a cross-sectional study design with simple random sampling to select 284 participants. The participants were subjected to a questionnaire to assess their knowledge level. For analysis, univariate, bivariate, and multivariate statistical techniques were used to analyze the data collected. The study revealed that Makerere University students have high levels of awareness about climate change achieved using the internet, social media, and televisions. Students fairly adapted to climate change and over 50% were participating in activities that reduce climate change which included planting trees and reduction in fuel consumption. The level of awareness was predicted by several factors which include year of study, student age, mother's highest level of education, and student's year of study. These predicted students' beliefs that climate change could harm them personally. Lastly, adaptation to climate change has been influenced by several factors which included parents' level of education, and the type of sponsorship students had. These helped students to engage in changing their behavior to protect the environment and engage in activities that are aimed at reducing climate change like planting trees and reducing fossil fuel consumption.