Global Warming: Facts and Misconceptions by Staff and Students at Great Zimbabwe University

Abstract

The study explores the accuracy, misconceptions and opinions about global warming which is held by Great Zimbabwe University community on the causes, impacts and measures to alleviate global warming. A case study approach was carried out with questionnaires distributed to different groups within the University community. Stratified sampling was used to cater for the various groups. The sample population from each sub group was selected using random sampling in order to ensure a representative sample. The research showed that, all the students were aware of global warming unlike the staff. The students exhibited more knowledge on the causes, consequences and measures to curtail global warming. The staff required more information on global warming. Students followed more closely and cheaper sources of information on global warming than the staff. The study recommended workshops, seminars and paper presentations in order to increase the University awareness on global warming. The University curriculum should entail modules on global warming and climate variability.