Accessing the Climate Change Awareness, Action ...

Journal of Global Communication Vol. 7, No. 1, January-June 2014 : 55-60 DOI :

Research Article

Accessing the Climate Change Awareness, Action Planned and Suggestions among an Internet Literate Population Aditya1* and Mani Bhushan2 Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist, Department of Extension Education, Bihar Agricultural College, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour-813 210 (Bhagalpur), Bihar, India. 2 Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist, Department of Extension Education, Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea-854 301, Bihar, India *Corresponding author email: [email protected] 1

Downloaded From IP - 59.90.127.125 on dated 23-Jun-2014

www.IndianJournals.com

Members Copy, Not for Commercial Sale

ABSTRACT Climate change has emerged as one of the most devastating environmental threats. It has become increasingly essential to assess the awareness regarding climate change in the general population for framing the mitigation activities. Keeping this in view, an online survey was conducted to know responses of educators, researchers and students on their awareness level, probable actions and suggestions in matters related to climate change. The awareness level was quite important for policy planning at their level which could have impact on the later generations. The survey was conducted through Google Drive online analysis and survey tool consisting of both open-ended and closed-ended questions. Subjects had poor appreciation of facts such as effect of climate change on farmers but established a consistency on the responses that climate change can be mostly mitigated by individuals at their own level. KEYWORDS: Action, Awareness, Climate change, Farmers, Survey

INTRODUCTION Climate change has emerged as one of the most important issues in global discussion forums in the present times. Global climate change impacts on human and natural systems are since long predicted to be severe. As evidence of climate change and its impact continues to be gathered, it has become quite clear that many of the causes of climate change are anthropogenic in nature through lifestyles, consumption and choices that pollute and exploit resources in an unsustainable manner. It is also predicted that climate change will have detrimental effects upon agriculture, fisheries, wildlife and may even result in collapsing ecosystems. Increasing evidence have been provided from national public opinion surveys throughout the world that seriousness and immediacy of climate change have deteriorated during the years (McCright and Dunlap, 2011; Weber and Stern, 2011;Pew Center for People Journal of Global Communication

and the Press, 2008, 2009; Saad, 2009; Jowit, 2010; Kaufman, 2010; Satzman et al., 2010). The probable causes attributed to this trend may be the lack of a mega campaign to promote “climate change issues” by the political parties (McCright and Dunlap, 2011; Hoggan, 2009), media publicity which plays a crucial role in generating interests and public opinion, published researches of scientists in popular newspapers and journals among the few. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this limelight, a survey was conducted through Google Drive online survey tool consisting of both open and close-ended questions to determine the awareness level of the respondents, action planned and suggestions in matters related to climate change issues.The invitation to participate in the online survey was strictly sent to adult individuals above 18 years of age. Responses 55

Aditya and Mani Bhushan were evaluated by the Google drive online testing tool using proportions and percentage as the main statistical analysis used in the software. Researchers/academicians, professionals and students comprised the variety of the respondents. RESULTS Qualification of respondents The qualification of the respondents was studied under the following sub-heads:




Table 1: Highest qualification of the respondent

Table 3: General awareness about IPCC and Kyoto protocol General awareness

F

Heard about IPCC & Kyoto protocol

107 88.42

P

Never heard about IPCC & Kyoto 14 11.57 protocol Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

A good number 107 (88.42%) had heard about the IPCC and the Kyoto Protocol while 14 (11.57%) were ignorant of it. Information sources on climate change issues

Qualification

F

P

The source of information on climate change issues were studied under the following heads:

Degree or equivalent

35

28.92

Post-graduation

55

45.45

Table 4: Source of information on climate change issues

Doctoral and above 31 25.61 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

A total of 129 respondents participated in the survey in which the responses of 8 respondents were screened out due to inappropriate submission. Thus, a total of 121 entries were finally analyzed. Out of these, 35(28.92%) respondents were having qualification of degree or equivalent, while 55 (45.45%) had a post graduate degree and the remaining 31 (25.61%) had a doctorate degree and above. Profession of the respondents The profession of the respondents was studied under the following sub-heads: Table 2: Profession of the respondent Profession

F

P

Student

38

31.40

Academician

66

54.54

Professional 17 14.04 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

Source of information

F

P

Television

26

31.46

Radio

6

7.26

Internet

30

36.30

Specialized publications/academic journals

22

26.62

School/College/University

20

24.20

Government agencies

8

9.68

Family/friends

3

3.63

Environmental groups (e.g. WWF) 6 7.26 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

The main source of information on climate change was attributed to the internet 30 (36.30%) followed by television 26 (31.46%), specialized publications/ academic journals 22 (26.62%), college/university 20 (24.20%), government agencies 8 (9.68%), environmental groups like worldwide fund for nature, Greenpeace, etc. and radio had equal respondents 6 (7.26%) and family/ friends as the source of information contributed to only 3 (3.63%) of the respondents.

Academicians/researchers constituted 66 in number (54.54%), students 38 (31.40%) and professionals 17 (14.04%)

The respondents were presented with a list of environment issues and were asked to list whether it was felt as a serious problem or they were not worried on it or they felt that the conditions would improve in the coming years.

Awareness on IPCC and Kyoto protocol

Seriousness of some climate change issue

The awareness of the respondents on International Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) and Kyoto protocol was studied under the following heads: 56

The seriousness of the respondents towards some emerging climate change issues was studied under the

Vol. 7, No. 1, January-June 2014

Accessing the Climate Change Awareness, Action Planned and Suggestions among an Internet Literate Population following heads: Table 5: Perceived seriousness of some climate change issues




Problem

Serious

Not worried

Improvement in the coming years

F

F

F

P

P

P

Air pollution

104 85.45

17

14.04

0

0

Pollution of river and seas

72

59.50

11

9.09

38

31.40

Flooding

60

49.58

33

27.27

28

23.14

Litter

38

31.40

26

21.48

36

29.75

Traffic/ congestion

72

59.50

18

14.87

31

25.61

GM food

48

39.66

52

42.97

21

17.35

Hole in ozone layer

88

72.72

15

12.39

18

14.87

Using up earth’s resources

82

67.76

12

9.91

27

22.31

Extinction of species

102 84.29

8

6.61

11

9.09

Radioactive & 80 Electronic wastes

66.11

11

9.09

30

Overpopulation 92 76.03 13 10.74 16 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

24.79 13.22

The issue of air pollution was viewed as a serious problem by 104 (85.95%) of respondents while 17 (14.04%) were not worried regarding it. Pollution of river and seas was viewed as a serious problem by 72 (59.50%), not worried by 11 (9.09%) and will improve in the coming years by 38 (31.40%). Flooding was a serious problem for 60 (49.58%), not worried 33 (27.27%) and will improve in the coming years by 28 (23.14%) respondents. Litter was deemed as a serious problem by 38 (31.40%), not worried 26 (21.48%) and will improve in the coming years by 36 (29.75%). Traffic/congestion was felt as a serious problem by 72 (59.50%), not worried by 18 (14.87%) and will improve in the coming years by 31 (25.61%) respondents. Genetically Modified foods was viewed as a serious problem by 48 (39.66%), not worried regarding their future use 52(42.97%) and will improve in the coming years by 21 (17.35%) respondents. The hole in the ozone layer was viewed as a serious problem by 88 (72.72%), not worried by 15 (12.39%) and will improve in the coming years by 18 (14.87%) respondents. Using up earth’s resources was classified as a serious problem by Journal of Global Communication

82(67.76%), not worried by 12(9.91%) and will improve in the coming years by 27 (22.31%) of the respondents. The extinction of species was termed as a serious problem by 102 (84.29%), not worried by 8 (6.61%) and will improve in the coming years by 11 (9.09%) respondents. The radioactive and electronic waste was viewed as a serious problem by 80 (66.11%), not worried by 11 (9.09%) while 30 (24.79%) felt that the scenario will improve in the coming years. Overpopulation was termed as a serious problem by 92(76.03%), not worried by 13(10.74%) and will improve in the coming years by 16(13.22%) respondents. Attachment to any environment group/organization The attachment of the respondents to any environment group/ organization was known. Table 6: Membership to any environment group/organization (Word Wide Fund for Nature, GreenPeace, Groups and Forums, etc.) Membership F

P

Yes

15.73

13

No 108 89.25 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

As per 13 (15.73%) respondents belonged to a member of any environmental organization (Word Wide Fund for Nature, GreenPeace, Groups and Forums, etc.) while 108 (89.25%) were not member of any such groups and forums. Responsibility of tackling climate change issues The respondents were quizzed on their view regarding responsibility of tackling with climate change issues Table 7: Responsibility of tackling climate change issue Organization

F

P

International organization

18

14.87

National government

6

7.26

Local/state government

12

14.52

Business or industries

12

14.52

Environment organization/lobby groups

3

3.63

Individuals 70 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

84.70

According to a major number,70 (84.70%) respondents, the main responsibility of tackling climate change 57

Aditya and Mani Bhushan should rest with the individuals themselves followed by international organization 18 (14.87%), local/state government and business or industry had equal number 12 (14.52%), national government by 6 (7.26%) and environment organizations/lobby groups (e.g. Worldwide Fund for Nature) by 3 (3.63%) respondents. Way out The respondents were quizzed on the probable way-outs to mitigate the effects of climate change issues.




Table 8: Way out/Initiative taking Initiative

F

P

Forming awareness clubs

33

39.93

Participation in climate awareness rallies

30

36.30

Turning vegetarian

24

29.04

Using non-conventional sources of energy

30

36.30

Others 4 4.84 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

When the respondents were quizzed on the fact that if they are provided an opportunity, what would they do for the sake of climate change, forming awareness club had the maximum respondents with 33 (39.93%), participation in climate awareness rallies and using nonconventional sources of energy had equal number with 30(36.30%), turning vegetarian 24(29.04%) followed by others with a mere 4(4.84%) respondents. Seriousness of the respondents towards climate change issues The respondents were asked on their say on the seriousness felt towards climate change issue. Table 9: Seriousness of the issue Seriousness

F

P

Yes

17

20.57

No 104 79.43 Source: Author’s calculations using online survey tool

When asked as whether the climate change issue will pass by like any other issue with little action required, 104 (79.43%) affirmed that such was not the case with climate change while 17 (20.57%) had the reverse view. DISCUSSION In the present survey, 107 (88.42%) had heard about

58

the IPCC and the Kyoto Protocol while 14 (11.57%) were ignorant of it. A similar observation by Gallup survey conducted in 2009 by face-to-face and telephone interviews with adults, aged 15 and older shows 32% of Indians say they know at least something about climate change, similar to awareness in previous years. Urban Indians, who tend to be better educated, are significantly more likely to report being aware of climate change. 41% of adults in urban India know at least something about climate change, compared with 28% in rural India where more than two thirds of the population lives. In the present survey, according to the majority of respondents 70 (84.70%) respondents, the main responsibility of tackling climate change should rest with the individuals themselves. As per the study conducted by Read et al., 75% opined that personal efforts should be made to reduce the climate change. Similar result was observed in the study conducted by Pandve et al. (2011) according to which 478 (65.21%) respondents; individual lifestyle changes would be most effective in tackling climate change and for preventing further changes in climate. In the study conducted by Read et al. (1994), the main reasons for climate changes were reduction in biomass (57%), automobiles (41%), industries (32%). The respondents were asked open-ended questions on some climate change issues pertaining to their area of study/research/subject. The respondents had good number of issues such as nuclear and electronic waste management, climate change and livestock issues, greenhouse gas emission and global warming leading to altered plant physiology and decreased yield of food grains, floods and uneven rainfall as a serious threat, yield reduction of agricultural crops, climate change and food security, land use change, impact of climate variables on environment, erratic weather pattern, air pollution, non-judicious use of ground water leading to lowering of water table among a few. The respondents were further quizzed on issues of climate change that they feel is a matter of concern for farmers. The responses were mixed and varied. It mainly focused on reduced productivity, droughts and higher infestation of insect, unpredictable weather conditions and swing of temperature, decreasing availability of water, overuse of inorganic chemicals, soil and water pollution, fall in Vol. 7, No. 1, January-June 2014

Accessing the Climate Change Awareness, Action Planned and Suggestions among an Internet Literate Population




the ground water level, degrading fertility of soil due to excessive use of inorganic pesticides, erratic climatic behaviour such as unseasonal rains, winds, hail storms, etc. The indigenous/farmers’ knowledge which can be implemented in handling climate change issues was suggested by the respondents as disposing off wastes smartly, using energy efficient lights, saving energy, using solar energy, use of gobar housing of animals, organic farming, green energy technologies, composting, climate smart crops, conservation agriculture, canal cultivation through organic, biogas technique, use of local herbs in control of pest and diseases, folk lore, culture and tradition for predicting the climate awareness, afforestation, short duration cropping, use of bio-control measures, zero tillage rice, indigenous storage mechanisms of food grains, mulching of soil and water conservation measures, local food systems as per the climate suitability, increase ground water level by making check dams and planting of climate resilient crops and varieties, zero ploughing, etc. The respondents were asked suggestions which could be practised by the farmers to mitigate climate change issues. The responses were growing crops through organic means, multi-cropping, less use of inorganic and market based fertilizer and pesticide, use of vermicompost and organic manure, banning of plastic resources, transgenic crop cultivation, conservation agriculture, plantation of tree on farm meadows, economic use of irrigation water by practising sprinkler and drip methods of irrigation, integrated farming approach, use of shelter belts and wind breaks, zero tillage method, use of aerobic rice and System of Root Intensification (SRI) technique in rice, good feeding habits of cattles to avoid methane (CH4) emission, growing more pulses, changing cropping patterns based on weather information, decrease the use of chemicals, less cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) crops, adopting less energy consuming practices, proper water application, use of solar energy for power generation, efficient technology adoption, chopping up of farm residues rather than burning on the field, growing trees inside each farm to provide for carbon sequestration, etc.

CONCLUSION The present study reflects that the internet literate population is mostly aware about global climate change as well as role of human activities in climate change. The sources of information are usually e-based resources. The awareness regarding important agencies and groups and their commitment to climate change was found to be poor. The majority of respondents supporting personal measures and individual efforts for mitigating climate changeis a very promising sign. There is need to conduct large nationwide survey to generate information from various stakeholders and the citizens for increasing concern towards these issues and providing effective measures to combat the changing climate scenario. Such surveys will also form the basis to establish a foundation for decision makers for climate change mitigation activities in the country. The common good demands solidarity with the poor who are often without the resources and face many problems, including the potential impacts of climate change. It is also recommended that awareness campaigns/programs regarding climate change and formation of groups/ communities with a larger access through information and communication technologies (ICTs) and media to be introduced for better preparedness. REFERENCES Hoggan J, (2009). Climate coverup. Greystone Books: Vancouver, BC, Canada Jowit J, (2010). Sharp decline in public’s belief in climate threat, British poll reveals, Guardian (UK).http://www.guardian.co.uk/ environment/2010/feb/23/british-public-belief-climate-poll/print. Kaufman L, (2010). Among weathercasters, doubt on warming. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/science/ earth/30warming.html?scp=1&sq=meteorologists&st=cse (Accessed March 15, 2013). Leiserowitz A, (2007). Fighting climate change: human solidarity in a divided world. Human Development Report Office, UNDP. McCright A and Dunlap R, (2000). Challenging global warming as a social problem: an analysis of the conservative movement’s counter-claims.Social Problems,Vol47, No.4, pp. 499–522. Pandve et al. (2011). Assessment of awareness regarding climate change in an urban community. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC3299094/ (Accessed April 4, 2013) Pew Center for the People and the Press,(2008).A deeper partisan

Journal of Global Communication

59

Aditya and Mani Bhushan divide over global warming.http://www.people-press.org/ report/417/a-deeper-partisandivide-over-global-warming (Accessed March 18, 2013) Ray J, Pugliese A. Indians largely unaware of climate change.http:// www.gallup.com/poll/125267/indians-largely-unawareclimatechange.aspx (Accessed February 23, 2013)

Satzman D, Radziner K, Scott G, (2010). Political change on climate change. http://www.kcrw.com/news/ programs/ Scruggs L, Benegal S, (2012). Declining public concern about climate change: Can we blame the great recession? Global Environ. Change, doi:10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2012.01.002 Weber EU, Stern PC, (2011).Public understanding of climate change in the United States. American Psychologist, Vol 66, No. 4, (May–June), pp. 315–328.




Saad L, (2009). Increased number think global warming is ‘‘exaggerated’’’ gallup organization. http://www.gallup.com/ poll/116590/Increased-Num-ber-Think-Global-Warming-

Exaggerated.aspx?version=print.

60

Vol. 7, No. 1, January-June 2014