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How Is Climate Change Knowledge Distributed among the Population in Singapore? A Demographic Analysis of Actual Knowledge and Illusory Knowledge

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  • Xiaodong Yang

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China)

  • Lai Wei

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China)

  • Qi Su

    (School of Journalism and Communication, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China)

Abstract

Due to the crucial role of knowledge in promoting public engagement with climate change, this study made an in-depths examination of the distribution of climate change knowledge among different demographic groups. Guided by information deficit model and cognitive miser model, two types of knowledge were investigated, including actual knowledge and illusory knowledge. Using a nationally representative survey in Singapore, this study found demographic effects in climate change knowledge distribution. Specifically, a series of independent sample t -test revealed that the males had more actual knowledge of climate change than the females. The middle aged and elderly adults had less actual knowledge but more illusory knowledge of climate change than the young adults. Compare to the more educated people, the less educated people had more illusory knowledge but less actual knowledge of climate change. People from low-income households reported lower levels of actual knowledge but higher levels of illusory knowledge than those from high-income households. Regarding these significant differences in climate change knowledge among different demographic groups, possible reasons for these variations and implications for designing public education programs are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaodong Yang & Lai Wei & Qi Su, 2020. "How Is Climate Change Knowledge Distributed among the Population in Singapore? A Demographic Analysis of Actual Knowledge and Illusory Knowledge," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:9:p:3782-:d:354649
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    1. Liat Ayalon & Natalie Ulitsa & Hanan AboJabel & Shelly Engdau, 2022. "Older Persons’ Perceptions concerning Climate Activism and Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Results from a Qualitative Study of Diverse Population Groups of Older Israelis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-13, December.
    2. Fockaert, Lysander & Mathijs, Erik & Vranken, Liesbet, 2021. "Local Support for Agri-Environmental Measures and the Role of Knowledge and Environmental Attitudes," 2021 Conference, August 17-31, 2021, Virtual 315153, International Association of Agricultural Economists.
    3. Carlos Durán Gabela & Bernardo Trejos & Pablo Lamiño Jaramillo & Amy Boren-Alpízar, 2022. "Sustainable Agriculture: Relationship between Knowledge and Attitude among University Students," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-11, November.

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