An explorative study regarding understanding of the problems associated with climate change among heavy and occasional users of mass media: A study in Agartala, Tripura

Pages: 2025-2031
Deepak Upadhyaya (Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Agartala, Tripura)

The green planet and only home to human habitation is getting warmer and hotter in an irreversible manner with each passing day, and weather patterns of different climes are substantially changing due to anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change. Notwithstanding this, the general public is unaware of what actually causes global warming and what could its consequences. It has taken decades for climate change to enter the public discourse in even the most superficial manner. Periodic surveys, researches and assessments by UN have proven that the global warming-induced changes in world’s climate are increasing day by day and it has assumed catastrophic proportions. Despite its overriding consequences, climate change is also the least understood problem amongst the masses. If left unchecked, climate change is expected to usher in disaster on many human and natural systems-including increased floods, droughts and extreme weather events, lesser productivity from large areas of existing farmland, migration due to climatic changes and conflict over dwindling resources. Media exposure has a direct impact on the knowledge and perception of climate change among the public. This study aims to explore the understanding of the perceptions of educated youths and role of mass media in climate change awareness and mitigation engagement in Tripura, India. The study also endeavours to suggest the possible measures of mitigating of the problem of climate change.