Finnish University Students’ Views on Climate Change Education

What is it about?

Climate change (CC) has widespread impacts on human and natural systems and thus threatens the future of contemporary youths. Only a few studies on climate change education (CCE) have been published in Finland, and no research has been conducted on upper secondary education. Thus, this study investigated Finnish university students’ views on CCE in upper secondary schools. According to them, the most common goals in CCE are increasing and structuring knowledge, developing thinking skills, and encouraging action both today and in the future. The respondents considered preconceived notions and opinions stemming from their inner circles, the media, and social debate to be the most difficult factor in teaching about CC. CCE was perceived to provide either a weak or relatively weak capacity to follow a climate‐friendly lifestyle. By increasing and diversifying teaching and strengthening multidisciplinarity, climate‐friendly lifestyles can be improved. The respondents’ views on current and future CCE differed most clearly concerning mo‐ tivation and inclusion, which are not prevalent in contemporary teaching. The results indicate, how‐ ever, that the university students were motivated to increase and develop CCE, and according their answers, their own capacity to address different aspects of CCE was relatively good.

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Why is it important?

Climate change is one of the most threatening issues for the future of contemporary youths. In order for young people to protect their future, they must be sufficiently informed about climate science and motivated to curb climate change. Exploring views on climate change and its underlying factors is essential, especially when considering that despite the widespread availability of information about climate change, not all data sources are equally reliable. Education, teaching, and guidance are all ways to influence the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes of people of all ages and, consequently, their behavior and thinking.