Climate Change Perceptions: China and Belgium Student Comparison

These data supplement an article comparing climate change perceptions among university students in China and Belgium, examining whether distinct governance contexts are associated with different public perceptions of climate change. Unlike previous studies relying on closed-ended questions with predefined response options, this study uses an open-ended question to capture spontaneous cognitive processes and reduce potential researcher bias. Following a rigorous screening process, data from 279 students in Beijing and 283 students in Brussels were retained for analysis. The data were analysed using resonance analysis, a mixed-methods approach for identifying and comparing perceptual patterns across groups. Results indicate that the main difference between the two groups concerns the perceived salience and necessity of individual climate action. This divergence appears to be associated with differing perceptions of the government's role in addressing climate change. Perceived government role may therefore provide a useful lens for understanding cross-cultural differences in climate change perceptions and informing climate communication strategies.本数据集为一篇比较中国与比利时大学生气候变化认知的学术论文提供补充数据，该研究旨在探究差异化的治理语境是否与公众对气候变化的不同认知存在关联。与以往研究多采用预设应答选项的封闭式问题不同，本研究运用开放式问题以捕捉受访者自发的认知过程，并降低潜在的研究者偏倚。经过严格的筛选流程，最终纳入分析的有效数据来自北京的279名学生与布鲁塞尔的283名学生。本研究采用共振分析（resonance analysis）——一种用于识别并跨群体比较认知模式的混合研究方法——对数据进行分析。 研究结果表明，两组学生的核心差异集中于对个人气候行动的感知显著性与必要性。该认知分歧似乎与双方对政府在应对气候变化中所扮演角色的认知差异高度相关。据此，对政府角色的认知或可成为理解气候变化认知跨文化差异、并为气候传播策略制定提供参考的有效视角。