AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF GLOBAL WARMING

ABSTRACT

The study examined awareness and knowledge of the health implications of global warming among residents of Ekosodin in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of the health implications of global warming among residents of Ekosodin in Ovia North East LGA of Edo state. Three (3) research questions were raised to guide the study. The research design that was adopted for the study was the descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 8,110 (eight thousand one hundred and ten). A sample size of two hundred and ten (210) was used for the study. The research instrument was a questionnaire on awareness and knowledge of the health implications of global warming. The instrument was validated by the researcher's supervisor and two other experts in the Department of Health, Safety and Environmental Education (HSE), Faculty of Education, University of Benin. Benin City. The reliability coefficient for this research work was obtained using the Cronbach Alpha Reliability Coefficient Method. Data was analysed using frequency count and percentage. Research result showed that the respondents were aware of global warming. The respondents had good knowledge of the health implication of global warming. The respondents had good attitude towards global warming. The study concludes that there was high awareness and knowledge of global warming. Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations were made: For respondents with high awareness and knowledge of global warming and it’s health implications, it is important to sustain this knowledge by various means including ongoing education, participating in environmental initiatives and advocating for policies that address global warming. Media coverage and public awareness campaigns should be use to keep people informed about global warming and the benefits of sustainable practices towards their health and the environment. These various means are also applicable to those with low awareness and knowledge of global warming as well positive and negative attitude towards global warming. Government should provide incentives for individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon waste.