Formulation of an ethics of response to climate change: The need for effective communication in higher education

Abstract

A key component in attempts to face the many challenges posed by climate change is the training of a new generation of professionals, who are able to understand the role of climate, climate change impacts and adaptation strategies and mitigation measures, together with communication competencies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) on change, namely how perceptions are related with the need for effective communication towards a formulation of an ethics of response in higher education. This work was conducted within the Universities of Coimbra and Aveiro and the results in this context should have meaningful implications for institutional university strategies and policies. The data were collected through a self-completion questionnaire (applied to students at the above named universities) aiming at characterising students from the socio-demographic, and from their perceptions, beliefs, motivations, attitudes and knowledge relating to the topic of climate change. A blackboard platform was used to host and disseminate the questionnaire for the online survey. The results herein discussed should have meaningful implications for both national and international educational policies and be useful in respect of curriculum and learning innovation. The results are aligned with previous published research but clear show that the academy/university life seem to contribute to students’ understanding about ethical issues associated with climate change, even though a large percentage state that it was “not very relevant” to influence them in adopting new behaviours. Further research is necessary so that curricular programmes can be adapted to promote better knowledge and attitudes about climate change and an active engagement of future participative citizens, as part of the solution for climate change problems.