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Climate Change Scepticism at Universities: A Global Study

Author

Listed:
  • Walter Leal Filho

    (School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
    European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Mark Mifsud

    (Centre for Environmental and Education Research, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta)

  • Petra Molthan-Hill

    (Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK)

  • Gustavo J. Nagy

    (Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay)

  • Lucas Veiga Ávila

    (Department of Postgraduate Studies in Administration, Federal University of Santa Maria-UFSM, Ernesto Barros, 1345, Santo Antônio, Cachoeira do Sul ZIP 96506-322, Brazil)

  • Amanda Lange Salvia

    (European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, D-21033 Hamburg, Germany)

Abstract

Scepticism about climate change is still a popular trend, despite the existence of scientific evidence that this phenomenon is taking place, and that it is influencing the lives of millions of people around the world. The aim of this paper is to assess the extent to which existing scepticism at the university level is found. The methodology consists of a survey undertaken on a sample of universities around the world, in the context of which attitudes and perceptions about climate change are identified. A total of 237 questionnaires were received from 51 countries around the world. The analysis consists basically of descriptive statistics and an investigation regarding trends on scepticism and the geographical location of the universities. The study concludes by outlining some of the presently seen scepticisms and suggests some ways to address them via curricular innovation and initiatives engaging students.

Suggested Citation

  • Walter Leal Filho & Mark Mifsud & Petra Molthan-Hill & Gustavo J. Nagy & Lucas Veiga Ávila & Amanda Lange Salvia, 2019. "Climate Change Scepticism at Universities: A Global Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:10:p:2981-:d:234229
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ann Hindley, 2022. "Understanding the Gap between University Ambitions to Teach and Deliver Climate Change Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Caine Rolleston & Jackline Nyerere & Luciana Brandli & Rosiana Lagi & Tristan McCowan, 2023. "Aiming Higher? Implications for Higher Education of Students’ Views on Education for Climate Justice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-15, October.
    3. Mona Nabil Demaidi & Khaled Al-Sahili, 2021. "Integrating SDGs in Higher Education—Case of Climate Change Awareness and Gender Equality in a Developing Country According to RMEI-TARGET Strategy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-21, March.
    4. Zhe Cheng & Tong Xiao & Chen Chen & Xiong Xiong, 2022. "Evaluation of Scientific Research in Universities Based on the Idea of Education for Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.

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