University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
Attitudes and Behaviors of Kentucky Residents Toward Climate Change
Presenter Hometown
Burlington, Kentucky
Major
Wildlife Management
Department
Biological Sciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Dr. Stephen Sumithran
Mentor Department
Biological Sciences
Recommended Citation
Behymer, Bradley, "Attitudes and Behaviors of Kentucky Residents Toward Climate Change" (2023). University Presentation Showcase Event. 24.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2023/undergraduate/24
Abstract
This study explored the attitudes and behaviors of Kentucky residents toward climate change. An anonymous survey was distributed to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students and non-student Kentucky residents, via Qualtrics. This study received EKU’s Institutional Review Boards approval as Protocol # 004978. The questionnaire collected demographic information followed by a series of questions about their experience with changing weather patterns and opinions about climate change, and their habits. This questionnaire received a total of 137 responses. Of the respondents, 75.9% were female and 59.6% of the respondents described themselves as being liberal. Democrats accounted for 51.1% of the respondents and 32.8% described themselves as Republican. When asked, “How much, if any, do you think climate change is currently affecting severe weather events or temperature patterns in the U.S.?” 67.7% agreed with the statement. When asked, “How likely do you think it is that climate change is occurring now?” 83.8% of respondents perceived it as extremely or somewhat likely and 77.7% believe that humans are the main cause of the current climate crisis. When the respondents were asked if they used non-polluting modes of transport, 74.4% stated that they never used non-polluting modes of transportation, and 70% of respondents had no involvement in pro-environmental groups or programs.
Presentation format
Poster
Attitudes and Behaviors of Kentucky Residents Toward Climate Change
This study explored the attitudes and behaviors of Kentucky residents toward climate change. An anonymous survey was distributed to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) students and non-student Kentucky residents, via Qualtrics. This study received EKU’s Institutional Review Boards approval as Protocol # 004978. The questionnaire collected demographic information followed by a series of questions about their experience with changing weather patterns and opinions about climate change, and their habits. This questionnaire received a total of 137 responses. Of the respondents, 75.9% were female and 59.6% of the respondents described themselves as being liberal. Democrats accounted for 51.1% of the respondents and 32.8% described themselves as Republican. When asked, “How much, if any, do you think climate change is currently affecting severe weather events or temperature patterns in the U.S.?” 67.7% agreed with the statement. When asked, “How likely do you think it is that climate change is occurring now?” 83.8% of respondents perceived it as extremely or somewhat likely and 77.7% believe that humans are the main cause of the current climate crisis. When the respondents were asked if they used non-polluting modes of transport, 74.4% stated that they never used non-polluting modes of transportation, and 70% of respondents had no involvement in pro-environmental groups or programs.
