University Students' Awareness and Perception on Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies Relevant to Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study assesses university student’s perception and policy attitudes about climate change in faculty of agriculture of Ruhuna University in Sri Lanka. Sample size was 50. Data were collected by using structured questionnaires. Awareness and perception were measured by adopting to 5-point likert scale. Data were analysis with the help of descriptive statistics, correlation, chi-square test. About 90% of respondents stated that climate in Sri Lank is changing rapidly. Out of four sectors, that contributed to emission of greenhouse gasses, energy sector (4.265), forestry sector (4.04) were rated as the most affected sectors, while agriculture (3.97) and industry and waste management (3.91) were considered as least important. Also 80% of the respondents opined that industrialized countries should take the responsibility of changing the atmospheric composition. There was no any correlation with awareness on climate change and policy strategies (r= 0.264 p= 0.067) and adoption method of agriculture (r= 0.141 p= 0.335). It means that all students have mentioned that correct methods of policy and adoption methods. Chi square test has shown that awareness, policy and adoption methods were not associated with the native area of the students. It means that all students from anywhere have mentioned similar responds against the climate changes. The results of the study provide intriguing evidence about the respondent perception and attitudes toward policy to mitigate and adapt to those risk associated with climate change.