Perception of Climate Change among Vulnerable Groups and Religious Faiths in Nigeria

Abstract

This study uses nationally representative survey data collected in Nigeria by the Pew Research Center in 2015, 2018, and 2019 to conduct a secondary analysis of three factors that can interact with concerns about climate change. The factors are: vulnerabilities to climate change, religious affiliation, and concerns regarding the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Socio-economic vulnerability is also studied, and vulnerable groups are defined as those at risk of being affected by the impacts of climate change due to traditional socio-economic traits commonly identified as increasing risk factors. The findings are that individuals in poverty express the least concern about climate change and its effects. Religious affiliation has a limited role in increasing climate change awareness. However, this does not exclude the potential influence of other forms of religiosity in alleviating climate change vulnerabilities. Disapproval of Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement was higher among people living in the most vulnerable areas and among older individuals, while females tended not to disapprove of withdrawing from the agreement. Three recommendations for practice and policy are: focus on the most vulnerable, incorporate local knowledge—especially recognizing the important role of religiosity—and build capacity for greater awareness.