Attitude and Perception on Climate Change and Biodiversity among Secondary School Science Students in Delta State

This study examined the assessment of attitude and perceptions on climate change and biodiversity among secondary school science students in Delta State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study employed a rigorous stratified random sampling method to select a representative sample of 300 science secondary school students from Delta State. Stratified random sampling ensures that different subgroups within the population are adequately represented in the sample, enhancing the generalizability of the findings. By carefully defining the population, establishing clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, and implementing robust sampling procedures across all 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs), the study aimed to capture a comprehensive and unbiased snapshot of students' attitudes and perceptions towards climate change and biodiversity. The study used a structured questionnaire was developed tagged ‘Assessment of the Students' Attitudes, Perceptions, And Understanding of Climate Change and Biodiversity’. The method of data analysis was descriptive statistics of simple percentage and frequency. Results indicated that showed that the respondents demonstrate strong support for recognizing climate change as a serious issue and for taking action to address it. The highest mean score (4.6) reflects a robust belief in the importance of climate action, while the lowest mean score (3.8) suggests that while many students feel capable of contributing to mitigation efforts, some remain unsure. Also, students exposed to comprehensive environmental programs within their curriculum exhibit a higher positive attitude (85%) towards climate change and biodiversity compared to those with limited environmental content (70%). The difference is statistically significant (p < 0.05), highlighting the effectiveness of robust environmental education. Across all statements, there is a general trend toward strong agreement, with most students acknowledging the seriousness of climate change and supporting its inclusion in education. The study recommends enhancing environmental education, integrating practical conservation activities into the curriculum, and fostering community involvement to strengthen students' commitment to combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.

Keywords: Attitude, perception, climate change, Biodiversity, and students