Students' perceptions and understandings of climate change - a comparison between Scotland and Germany.
Citation
(2016) Students' perceptions and understandings of climate change - a comparison between Scotland and Germany., no. 63.
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.