Graduate students’ perceptions of changes in climate and their related impacts: a case study in the Federal District

Abstract Anthropogenic activities have been altering the environment and contributing to climate change (CC). Thus, the understanding of how new perceptions could result in pro-environmental actions and the role of environmental education in this equation are both necessary. A total of 1526 questionnaires were administered to graduate students, aiming to understand students’ perceptions of climate change in different economic sectors and social strata, as well as other personal beliefs. The need for a more intense approach regarding environmental knowledge, with the insertion of this theme at all educational level in unison with law 9795/99 was observed. Moreover, the limited knowledge about the links among information, perception and actions to cope with climate change indicates the need for more research that can explore how better environmental and climatic education can help in the development of perceptions and actions in favour of adaptation and mitigation public policies.

摘要 人类活动一直在改变自然环境，并推动气候变化（Climate Change，以下简称CC）。因此，明晰新认知如何催生亲环境行为，以及环境教育在这一关系中的作用，均十分必要。本研究共向研究生发放1526份问卷，旨在了解不同经济行业、社会阶层的研究生对气候变化的认知，以及其他个人信念情况。研究发现，当前亟需针对环境知识开展更深入的教育工作，将该主题纳入各层级教育体系，并与第9795/99号法律相契合。此外，当前学界对信息、认知与气候变化应对行动之间的关联认知不足，这表明亟需开展更多研究，以探究更完善的环境与气候教育如何助力形成有利于气候变化适应与减缓的公共政策的相关认知与行为。