Engaging diverse high school students in Missouri through a deliberative climate change forum

Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue in the 21st century. Its effects increase in severity due to human actions that negatively impact natural resources. This produces risks to human health, food security, water supply, and the global economy. In order to address climate change, it is crucial to recognize it as a social-environmental issue. Formal and nonformal education plays an important role in fostering knowledge, attitudes, values, and behavior among students. Thus, it is essential to prioritize education and research that explores differences in knowledge and attitudes toward climate change among diverse high school populations. For that reason, this study aims to engage diverse high school students in Missouri through a deliberative climate change forum. This study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach with students from 2 different Missouri high schools (n=22). The quantitative approach included pre and post-test instruments, while the qualitative procedure was a focus group using the Climate Choices Issue Guide created by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). The deliberative climate change forum was divided into five sections: recognition, reduction, adaptation, innovation, and conclusion, with 17 questions in total. Paired-sample tests showed a statistically significant increase in knowledge (t(21)=- 2.806, p=0.005), awareness (t(21)=-6.21, p<0.001), and hope (t(21)=-3.65, p<0.001) after the forum. The students were able to identify what are the causes, and consequences of global warming, and got a better understanding of climate systems. Additionally, participants provided strategies that they considered the most effective ways to address climate change. This suggests that climate change education and deliberative forums can foster awareness about environmental issues and promote positive values and attitudes towards climate change.Includes bibliographical references