Assessment of Public Perception of Climate Change Issues in Minna, Niger State, Niger

Abstract

Climate change represents a significant environmental, social and economic threat and is onw firmly recognized by the majority of the world's government and scientist as an issue of extreme concern for the planet. The study examines the public perception of climate change on both local and global scales by residents of Minna, Niger State. Bothe Primary and secondary data were used for the analysis. The primary data for the study was collected by the administration of a structured questionnaire and conduction of group discussions while the secondary data was sources from written materials on climate change. The results reveals that 85.6% of the public were aware of the change in climate using change rainfall and temperature pattern as indicators. The respondents noticed that there are changes in the amount of rainfall received and increase in average daily temperature while 14.45 were completely unaware of climate change issues. The study thereby recommended among others that information and communication technology be used to sensitize people on the effects of changing climate.