GGCA Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Survey, Trinidad and Tobago

The Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD), in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), and the National Red Cross, has embarked on a nationwide survey to capture citizens’ knowledge, attitude and practises towards climate change and its impacts on their country.

The Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey is a key output of the communications component of the project, “Enhancing Climate Resilience in CARIFOURM Countries”, which is funded by the European Union (EU) under the Intra-ACP Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (GCCA+). The project is part of a global programme seeking to support the climate compatible development of the CARIFOURM countries to combat the negative impacts of climate change and disasters.

While predictions are that Caribbean countries are expected to face more adverse extreme weather events, many citizens have not connected extreme weather events to climate change. Awareness of how climate change can and will intersect every aspect of daily life is also lacking. The findings from Trinidad and Tobago’s KAP towards climate change and its subsequent use in developing a National Climate Change Public Education and Outreach Strategy will assist in making these connections and narrow knowledge gaps.

The Ministry of Planning and Development, which serves as the National Focal Point to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change encourages citizens to welcome the Red Cross team and have their voices heard.

It is important to hear from our citizens so that their specific information needs and recommendations concerning climate change is obtained. It’s the only way we can enhance our awareness and tailor capacity-building strategies to inform and empower citizens, decision-makers, and all layers of society to make changes that will build climate resilience and reduce their carbon footprint.

In Trinidad and Tobago, the National Red Cross team commenced the administration of this survey on September 1, 2021 and will conclude in October 2021.