Students care more about the climate in the Global South

Students from Asia and Africa are more concerned about climate change than their Western counterparts, according to the International Student Barometer, as highlighted in a new article in The Star, Malaysia.

The data suggests that students from countries directly impacted by climate change, such as Pakistan and India, place a higher importance on environmental issues. In contrast, countries like the US, France, and Poland, where the effects of climate change are less severe, showed less concern.

Findings indicate that the level of concern about climate change correlates with exposure to natural disasters. In Malaysia, for example, rising temperatures and the economic and social toll of floods, exacerbated by deforestation and rapid urbanization, have made climate change an urgent issue. There is also a growing awareness of the need for sustainability initiatives, with universities carrying out projects such as river and beach cleanups, and implementing more eco-friendly practices.

The report highlights the increasing concern and readiness to act on climate change among students from the Global South. This concern, coupled with the right guidance and opportunities, can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

Read more in the full article published in The Star.