Level of public awareness on climate change in Sabah

Abstract

This study aims to examine the level of public awareness of climate change issues in Sabah. A total of 300 respondents were involved from several districts in Sabah namely Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu by using the random sampling method. Data obtained from the questionnaire was analysed by using SPSS software. The result shows that more than 70% of respondents are aware of climate change issues and are concerned with the environment. However, the respondents have lower awareness of green products and government policy related to climate change. Furthermore, the use of green products among respondents is at a moderate level. This indicated the respondents had environmental concerns, but they have lack of knowledge on green consumerism, government policies awareness and green consumerism action. Hence, this study recommends that educational climate change programmes and public awareness campaigns are very crucial to address the low level of green product awareness and practice.