An examination of the state of awareness of the problem of climate change in Turkey for those living in cities: The case of Eskişehir Province

Abstract

Climate change directly or indirectly affects the standard of living and quality of life for everyone, and so it has generated widespread interest and concern. Human awareness of global climate change, knowledge of the dimensions of the problem, and its consequences, are the first and most important steps towards a solution. However much the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement are seen as global efforts to combat climate change, economic outcomes overshadow worries about climate change. Therefore, even if individual awareness seems small for such a large problem, it is as an effective first step. In this regard, a survey was conducted among 384 people living in the districts of Odunpazarı and Tepebas ¸ı of Eskis ¸ehir province to determine their levels of awareness and knowledge of climate change. Survey participants were evaluated with regard to the district in which they lived and their gender, age group, education, membership in nongovernmental organizations (NGO), and income. Correlations between various determinant characteristics of the participants and their knowledge of climate change and readiness to pay more for goods produced without harming the environment are presented with χ 2 analysis, percentages, and proportions. No statistically significant correlation was found between knowledge of climate change of the participants and district, age, or gender, but a significant correlation was found between education and income levels, and NGO membership. There was no correlation between being willing to pay more for goods produced without harming the environment and district. No correlation was found between NGO membership and readiness to pay more for goods produced without harming the environment. Both central districts are close to each other and are very similar in terms of lifestyle, income, and the practices of local administrations regarding climate change and environmental problems.