Eleventh International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Despite the climate change debate, the climate is changing. Human society is impacted by a variety of factors such as new precipitation patterns, rising temperature, and other changes. Nevertheless, changes in human behavior can help reduce climate change. Therefore, a challenge for humans is to maintain a standard of behavior that improves the quality of life around the world while maintaining a viable ecosystem and sustainable climate. Also, human perceptions and attitudes are necessary for environmental stewardship. Thus the purpose of this study is to examine the relationship that exists between the awareness of climate change and environmental stewardship of local residents of St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Surveys via iPads will be administered to 100 individuals at two beaches on St. Croix, Cramer’s Park in Christiansted and Rainbow Beach in Frederiksted. The goal of the project is to obtain preliminary data to incorporate in a larger proposal submitted to the National Science Foundation. This project aligns with the Human Dimension research focus area. Obtaining stakeholders’ perspectives contribute to knowledge on how residents can contribute to managing the Virgin Islands’ environment and natural resources.