Climate Change Awareness, Risk Perception, Environmental Attitude and Disaster Preparedness Practices of Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between climate change awareness, risk perception, environmental attitude, and disaster preparedness practices of Grade 11 students in Negros Occidental during the academic year 2025–2026. Employing a descriptive-correlational research design, the study involved a population of Grade 11 students enrolled in public secondary schools, with a representative sample selected through stratified random sampling to ensure proportional distribution by age and sex. A researcher-made questionnaire served as the primary research instrument, which underwent content validation by experts using Lawshe’s method and Good & Scates’ criteria, while its reliability was established through Cronbach’s Alpha, yielding acceptable coefficients across all variables. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine levels of awareness, perception, attitudes, and preparedness, and Pearson’s r to test the significance of relationships among variables. Results revealed that students demonstrated high levels of climate change awareness, particularly in knowledge of causes and effects, and moderate to high-risk perception across susceptibility, severity, concern, and vulnerability dimensions. Environmental attitudes were generally positive, with strong indicators of responsibility and sustainable behavior. Disaster preparedness practices were evident in emergency readiness and safety compliance, though participation in preparedness activities was less consistent. Correlation analysis confirmed significant relationships between climate change awareness, risk perception, and environmental attitudes with disaster preparedness practices, indicating that higher awareness and positive attitudes contribute to stronger preparedness behaviors. These findings provide valuable insights for educators, policymakers, disaster risk reduction offices, and families, emphasizing the need to integrate climate literacy and preparedness strategies into curricula and community programs to foster resilience among Filipino youth.