An investigation into GIC students’ attitude and behaviour toward global warming Essay Example

studies have found a relationship between people's awareness and behavior.

Boyed et al. (2008:663) state that Pruneau et al. (2007) believe that people's responses to global warming are influenced by their attitudes towards it, while Bord et al. (1998:75) argue that comprehending public attitudes about the topic is crucial in policy debates. Defra (2005), citing Lorenzoni et al. (2007:445), recommends raising awareness and altering public attitudes as a strategy for encouraging behavioural shifts concerning global warming.

Lorenzoni et al (2007:445) emphasized the urgency of implementing measures to combat the severe and irreversible threat of global warming to both human systems and the natural world. The increase in carbon dioxide levels caused by human activities such as agriculture and industry burning fossil fuels will lead to even more severe global warming, according to Kellogg (1987:119). Human societies and ecosystems will suffer extensive consequences like extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and loss of small islands due to higher temperatures resulting from this phenomenon (Leiserowitz, 2003:4). To address this challenge effectively, Houghton (2005:1397) recommended increasing awareness about global warming. Henry (2000:25) also highlighted the need for action based on research findings indicating insufficient information about this issue among the U.S. population.

According to a source cited in Lorenzoni et al. (2007:446), the majority of people in S. and other countries are aware of global warming, with only a small percentage being uninformed about it. Most individuals believe they understand the main reason behind global warming and express concern about it. Additionally, in 2001, the U.S.

A cable news network's survey found that more than half of Americans view global warming as a serious concern, while a separate 2002

study showed that most Americans acknowledge the reality of global warming and believe that emitting additional carbon dioxide and other gases into the air will result in uncontrolled temperature increases and subsequent global warming (Leiserowitz, 2003:10).

Lorenzoni et al (2007:449) state that some individuals recognize the significance of global warming but do not take action because they think it is the responsibility of society and government, rather than an individual obligation. Moreover, many people are reluctant to modify their daily routines and lifestyles, including commuting to work, which has become ingrained as habitual behavior (Lorenzoni et al., 2007:454).

The existence of global warming is not believed by some due to their lack of scientific knowledge, or they believe it is a natural imagination beyond human control (Leiserowitz, 2003:58). The majority of common people currently take actions like recycling and saving energy (Whitmarsh, cited in Lorenzoni et al., 2007:447). To alleviate global warming, government plans and international treaties are required. Incentives and technological solutions are more effective at gaining public support than policies that raise taxes (Shackley et al.).

According to Lorenzoni et al. (2007:447), various studies (Kasemir et al., 2003; O'Connor et al., 1999) have shown that citizens generally approve national and international policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, Leiserowitz (2003:179) pointed out that many people strongly oppose higher energy and gasoline prices, as it directly affects their expenses. Some individuals do support government efforts to mitigate global warming, as long as they are not required to make significant changes to their lifestyles (Bord et al.).

, 1998:83) stated that in Britain, the government, education, and media consistently promote public understanding of scientific and environmental

matters. According to Lowe (2006:2), information can influence people's behavior. By increasing awareness and penetrating citizens' psyches through publicity, the media and government can cause change (Lowe, 2006:25). Disaster films, for instance, may serve the purpose of increasing people's awareness of global warming (Kellstedt et al.).

According to Kempton (1993:228, 235) and supported by previous studies, it is advised to reduce the use of air conditioning and cooling systems as well as purchase high quality durable goods and decrease the use of packaging and plastic bags to mitigate the damage on the ozone layer and alleviate global warming. Therefore, the aim of this report is to examine the attitudes and behavior of GIC students towards global warming.

College students may exhibit distinct environmental protection behavior and encounter unique factors influencing their attitude.