Using Radio and Television Media to fight Climate Change: Echoes from Ghana

Abstract

Background: This study is making a point of using diverse forms of media to fight climate change anywhere at the global level. A sample of 500 adult audience of 15 radios and television audience in Southern Ghana were randomly selected to participate in a study to assess their knowledge of the effect of climate change and what they are prepared to minimize its effect from the community level. // Methods: The sample population was interviewed in their homes at the start of the study and their knowledge level on climate change effect on the environment was recorded. They were treated to the knowledge that it directly affects five components of the environment: water, air, weather, oceans and ecosystems for three months. The study was set up in a double blind fashion to reduce the risk of any bias. // Results: Initially, 12% of the sample population could only state that climate change can directly affect water and oceans and there was nothing they could do. Assessment at the end of the study period 80% of the population was able to state correctly the five components of the environment directly affected by climate change. Also, 65% argued that the human population could reduce the effects easily with community education, organization, and resources mobilization. // Conclusion: The mass media are powerful systems to educate and mobilize people for sustainable change communication and capacity building in structuring a meaningful interface in fighting natural phenomenon and catastrophes. // Paper ID: 24