Climate change-related knowledge and attitudes among a sample of the general population in Egypt

Abstract

IntroductionIdentifying the public awareness and risk perception regarding climate change, are fundamental preliminary steps in determining gaps and paving the way for awareness campaigns that address climate change causes and counteraction mitigation measures. However, few studies were conducted in Egypt; thus, the researchers conducted the current cross-sectional study among a sample of the Egyptian population to identify general knowledge and perception about climate change and its effects, as well as attitudes toward mitigation measures.MethodsAn exploratory population-based electronic-open survey, was conducted among 527 members of the general population between January and April 2022, using a convenience sampling technique. A pre-tested 2-page (screen) electronic included three sections: sociodemographic characteristics, global warming/climate change-related knowledge, and attitude toward climate change mitigation.ResultsThe average global warming knowledge score was 12 ± 3. More than 70% (71.1%) of the participants were knowledgeable (percentage score >70%). Approximately half of the enrolled participants (48.2%) agreed that everyone is vulnerable to the effects of global warming/climate change. More than three-quarters (78.3%) of the participants agreed that carbon emissions from vehicles and industrial methane emissions were the first factors that contributed to climate change, followed by the ozone holes (731%). Global warming/climate change-related knowledge was statistically higher in participants aged of >30 years, married participants, urban residents, highly educated individuals, and employed individuals (p-value ≤ 0.05). Approximately 80% of the participants agreed that responding to the questionnaire drew their attention to the topic of climate change and its effects. More than two-thirds of those polled agreed that increasing public transportation use could help mitigate the effects of climate change/global warming, followed by the materials used and the direction of construction.ConclusionMore than two-thirds of the participants were knowledgeable regarding climate change. Social media and the internet were the main sources of information. However, participants need to get the information in a different way that could help in changing their attitude positively toward the issue of climate change mitigation. The current study recommends the need for various initiatives that work should be launched.

Youth’s climate consciousness: unraveling the Dengue-climate connection in Bangladesh

“…It’s expected that individuals with a more comprehensive understanding of climate change would also have a better perception of linkage between Dengue and climate change ( 5 ). This relationship is well-supported by previous researches, which consistently demonstrates that a better understanding of climate change is linked to more informed and positive attitudes about its consequences ( 4 , 48 ).…”

Climate Change and Health: Effect of Awareness Program on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Community Dwelling Elderly

“…As, the total practices, attitudes and awareness scores were higher among participants who had high level of knowledge. (48) . As a result, Gerontological Nurses should apprehend the effects of climate change and promote practices that will lessen the climate change and dangerous effect on health (49) .…”

Knowledge and attitude of general population towards climate change and its impact on health in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

“…The maximum score was determined and the score percentage was calculated by dividing the participants’ score by the total score. The knowledge score was categorized as not knowledgeable if the percentage score was less than 70% and knowledgeable if it was 70% or more [ 8 ]. Assessment of attitudes regarding CC : Three questions were used to assess the attitudes of participants towards CC.…”

“…Also, an Indian study carried out in an urban community showed that 91.7% of participants believed that the global climate is changing [ 7 ]. Recently, in an Egyptian study by Salem et al [ 8 ], a noteworthy percentage of participants demonstrated awareness about CC (71.1%). Although CC impacts the environment globally and poses a threat to human life, research assessing CC knowledge among Egyptians is scarce.…”