Gender Differences in Attitude of University Students about Climate Change

Abstract

Climate change is a major global environmental challenge that affects food, water supply, energy production, human health and well-being, and ultimately threatens the scope of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2030). One of the countries most impacted by climate change is Pakistan. The mitigation and adaptation of climate change may be significantly impacted by people's knowledge and behavior. In this regard, youth have the potential to bring change in society through awareness and behavioral change. This study used the cross-sectional survey design to collect information from students enrolled in public and private universities in Lahore to assess their attitude towards climate change. For data collection, a self-constructed tool to measure students’ behavior and the standardized tool of climate change awareness scale developed by Gonen et al. (2022) were used. Data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis found the gender differences among students in their reckless behavior and awareness about climate change. Additionally, the influence of discipline and father’s education is found critical in shaping students’ attitude towards climate change. It is hoped that the findings would help educators and policy makers to sensitize the youth about taking responsible initiatives that effectively foster environmentally friendly behavior.