Students' perceptions and understandings of climate change - a comparison between Scotland and Germany.

Abstract

This research project was designed to explore perceptions and understandings of climate change of the next generation of world citizens in a cross-national comparison between Germany and Scotland. Following the tradition of qualitative research two focus group discussions have been conducted in order to collect in-depth verbal data which has been analysed thematically. All participants were concerned about the threatening consequences of global warming, however, other social issues demanded more urgent attention. Individual action was recognised as a driving force for addressing climate change mitigation, however, such action has to be facilitated by the government and other macro-level structures. Perceived barriers for adopting an environment-friendly lifestyle have been identified and discussed. Such barriers are perceived to impact on both the individual as well as the social level.