Volume 28, Issue 2-1, June 2024
WHAT DO THEY KNOW? IS CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION NECESSARY IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN SERBIA
Authors: Igor Leščešen, Biljana Basarin, Miroslav D. Vujičić
Abstract: Climate change is a global crisis exacerbated by human activity and a matter of urgent concern. There is a significant knowledge gap among primary school students in Serbia, as the topic of climate change is barely covered in the curriculum. This study examines their awareness, knowledge and attitudes. Of the participants, 96.6% are aware of climate change,
but their knowledge and attitudes vary considerably. Some 80.10% expect climate change to have a significant impact on humans through floods (90%), droughts and temperature
increases (85% each). Further results show that schools are a key source of information (35.10%), followed by television (30.10%) and the internet (14.90%). In summary, this study
highlights the need for comprehensive, multidisciplinary climate education to address different levels of awareness, encourage informed and proactive responses and engage young voices in discussions about climate change.
Keywords: climate change, education, geography, Serbia
Article info:
Received: December 3, 2024 | Revised: March 30, 2024 | Accepted: May 13, 2024