Students' Perceptions of the Effectiveness of Institutional Climate Change Policies in Pakistani Universities

Abstract

This study investigates the perceptions of the students of the universities regarding the effectiveness of the institutional policies with special focus on the role of institutional capacity in policy effectiveness in the context of climate change. A quantitative research design was used. A structured questionnaire that used the 5 point "Likert Scale" was used to collect data from 225 university students of the province of Sindh. The questionnaire was self-administered, voluntary and anonymity and confidentiality were ensured to all respondents. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, specifically independent samples t-test to see if there were significant differences in students' perceptions of the effectiveness of institutional climate policy between males and females. The results showed that the students' opinions were negative to moderately positive, most of them were dissatisfied with the clarity, implementation and visibility of institutional policies. Results also showed there was a significant discrepancy between the institutional commitments and students' experiences. The study recommends that institutional capacity strengthening and participatory governance would be beneficial to increase the effectiveness of climate-related policies. Some efforts, including training sessions and awareness-raising campaigns, are underway, but they are likely reaching few people and in small ways and may need to be scaled up to be inclusive and effective in the fight against climate change.