Does Learning Geography Increase Climate Change Awareness? A Comparison of School Subjects’ Influence on Climate Change Awareness

Abstract

School subjects’ curricula, including geography, are infused with contents to improve climate change literacy. This study sampled 420 public secondary school students in Enugu State, Nigeria. Mean differences and multinomial logistic regression results show geography students possess the highest climate change awareness level. Besides, students’ gender, location, age and class are variables significantly influencing climate change awareness. Students who took geography had an increased probability of being moderately or highly aware of climate change. The scope of climate change contents infused in other school subjects ought to be expanded, with explicit specifications of methods and materials for delivery.

Keywords:

• Climate change awareness
• climate change education
• Nigeria
• climate change
• geography education

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Joseph Onuoha

Joseph Chinweobo Onuoha, Ph.D. is a senior academic in the department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Studies Education. His special areas include Social Studies Education and Economics and has consulted for National Planning Commission (NPC) on SEEDS Benchmarking, National Examination Council (NECO), UNICEF, NTI and many other relevant bodies. Joseph has over 45 publications including mainline books, chapter in books and Journal articles.

Emmanuel Eze

Emmanuel Eze is an academic in Geographical and Environmental Education unit, Department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria. He possesses a B.Sc. (hons.) in Education/Geography from the University of Nigeria; M.Sc. in Climate and Society from Mekelle University, Ethiopia; and an M.Ed. in Geographical and Environmental Education from the University of Nigeria. His research interests spans through geographic, environmental and climate change education; climate risk management; drought studies; and natural resources management.

Chidiebere Mary-Cynthia Ezeaputa

Chidiebere Mary-Cynthia Ezeaputa graduated with bachelor’s degree in Geographic and Environmental Education from the department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria.

Jacob Ugbada Okpabi

Jacob Ugbada Okpabi graduated with bachelor’s degree in Geographic and Environmental Education from the department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria.

Jennifer Chioma Onyia

Jennifer Chioma Onyia graduated with bachelor’s degree in Geographic and Environmental Education from the department of Social Science Education, University of Nigeria.