Climate Change Awareness among University Students: Exploring the Correlation of Awareness with Media Exposure and Demographic Differences

Abstract

This study examines climate change awareness among students of Tripura University and explores how media exposure and demographic characteristics shape their understanding. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 567 students through a structured questionnaire and analysed with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and regression techniques. The findings show that students possess high general awareness of climate change but perceive its risks at a moderate level. They strongly associate climate change with large-scale environmental impacts, while health-related consequences receive comparatively weaker recognition. Media exposure emerges as a significant correlate—frequent use of the internet and daily newspaper reading are both associated with higher awareness and a greater perception of the seriousness of climate-induced disasters. Awareness varies across academic streams and place of residence, with science and urban students showing higher awareness levels, whereas gender, age, income, and medium of instruction show no significant differences. The results indicate that structural access to information and curricular exposure shape understanding more than socio-demographic factors. The study underscores the need for credible climate communication, curriculum integration, and enhanced media literacy to deepen students’ grasp of climate risks and strengthen future climate-responsive behaviour.

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