Apologies for cross-posting...

Source: TVE Asia Pacific website http://www.tveap.org/?q=node/522

Mass media is top source of information on climate change for Sri Lankans, 
reveals survey

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Most Sri Lankans had first heard about climate change 
from the mass media, or while in school.

Mass media is also where they would most look for the latest information on 
what can be done about climate change -- and how to do it. The next most 
preferred sources are state agencies dealing with the subjects 
(environment, meteorology), and people’s own peer circles.

‘Not having enough technical or specific information’ is the biggest reason 
for non-action by those who are concerned about climate change and want to 
do something about it.

Broadcast television is Sri Lankans’ primary source of information on 
current news and events, followed by radio, newspapers and magazines (see 
box for details).

These are among the key findings from a new survey on public perceptions on 
climate change in Sri Lanka.

The large sample survey, conducted in mid 2010, covered 1,000 men and women 
aged above 18 years, in urban and rural areas across all 25 districts of 
Sri Lanka. It was carried out by the reputed market research company, 
Survey Research Lanka (Pvt) Limited, on behalf of the Sri Lankan Ministry 
of Environment under a technical assistance project supported by the Asian 
Development Bank. They survey was facilitated by TVE Asia Pacific (TVEAP).

Survey summary at: http://tiny.cc/PPSLSum
Full survey report at: http://tiny.cc/PPSL

“The survey sought to map out perceptions and opinions among ordinary Sri 
Lankan people on changes in their environment, and to find out how aware 
they are about climate change,” says TVEAP Director Nalaka Gunawardene, who 
designed and provided technical supervision for the survey. “We didn’t try 
to assess or evaluate any individual’s factual knowledge on the subject.”

The survey found that most Sri Lankans – nearly 9 out of 10 across the 
country -- have heard of climate change and/or global warming.

“However, not everyone clearly understands what exactly this means,” says 
Dr Buddhi Weerasinghe, TVEAP Board Member who was communication specialist 
of the project.

He adds: “The survey has captured impressionistic views of the voluntarily 
participating respondents. These are broadly indicative of the current 
levels of understanding, or the lack of it, on various changes in weather, 
climate and physical environment.”

Among those who have heard of climate change, 36 per cent are ‘strongly 
concerned’, while another 57 per cent are ‘somewhat concerned’ about how 
climate change can personally affect themselves and their families.

The impacts they most fear are water and food shortages, and the spread of 
diseases due to weather anomalies.

Yet, hopefully, many believe that ‘there is still a chance to prevent the 
worst impacts -- if we act fast’. They feel that both the government and 
people should be involved in responding to the climate crisis, and in 
taking better care of the environment.

Among the most favoured climate-friendly actions are tree planting, forest 
conservation and proper disposal of waste.

This survey was commissioned under the ADB Technical Assistance Project 
titled ‘Strengthening Capacity for Climate Change Adaptation’, based at 
Climate Change Secretariat, Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka.

The survey fed into the preparation of an information, education and 
communication (IEC) Strategy which is part of the draft National Climate 
Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS) to help Sri Lanka meet and overcome the 
massive challenges of climate change.
Link: 
<http://www.climatechange.lk/adaptation/Downloads/Adaptation_Strategy-2011-2016/Strategy_Booklet-Final_for_Print_Low_res%281%29.pdf>http://www.climatechange.lk/adaptation/Downloads/Adaptation_Strategy-2011-2016/Strategy_Booklet-Final_for_Print_Low_res%281%29.pdf 


The Strategy was unveiled and presented to stakeholders at a national 
workshop held on 16 November 2010.

Once formally adopted by the Government, the NCCAS is expected to stimulate 
improved environmental management and better preparedness in all sectors to 
cope with climate change. Such careful planning and investment could help 
Sri Lanka turn current threats into future opportunities.



...................................................................
Nalaka Gunawardene
Director/CEO - TVE Asia Pacific
9/3, Gemunu Mawatha, Nawala Road, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
T: +94 11 4412 195  |  F: +94 11 4403 443  |   E: <[log in to unmask]>
www.tveap.org | www.savingtheplanet.tv
Video: http://www.youtube.com/TVEAPfilms
Blog: http://movingimages.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NalakaG