Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

THE FIJIAN AND INDONESIAN PERCEPTION OF CLIMATE CHANGE: A CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY STUDENT ORGANISATIONS

Ravinesh Rohit Prasad, Sugeng Utaya, I. Komang Astina and Dwiyono Hari Utomo

Abstract

Fiji and Indonesia are amongst some of the country’s most vulnerable to climate change. A basic understanding of perception on vulnerability, attitude and the risk in relation to climate change will provide strategic directions for government policy, adaptation strategies and development of community-based guidelines. The objective of this study was to collect data on students’ knowledge and perception about climate change and its impact on the environment. The study begins by finding out how students in Fiji and Indonesia perceive climate change. This study uses qualitative descriptive approach. Data were obtained by interviewing those involved in students organisations aimed at environmental protection, namely: Econesian Society, Wantok Moana from the University of the South Pacific, Fiji, and Jongrring Salaka and Himpunan Mahasiswa Jurusan Geografi from the State University of Malang, Indonesia. Data were also obtained from observations and relevant documents. The study findings indicate that students perception of climate change varies within organisations in the same country and climate change is regarded as a serious threat in Fiji and Indonesia as compared to developed countries.