Assessing the Influence of Hurricane Fiona on Dalhousie Students’ Perceptions of Psychological Distance to Climate Change and Adoption of Sustainable Behaviours

Abstract

This report analyzes the influence of Hurricane Fiona on Dalhousie University students' perceptions regarding the reality of increased Atlantic Canadian hurricanes and their connection to unsustainable consumption patterns and behaviours. Through a survey-based approach targeting students present during Hurricane Fiona's landfall, the research associated with this report aims to determine correlations between hurricane impact and psychological distance to climate change. The research centers on establishing how the hurricane influenced students' perceptions of climate change, including more specific factors associated with the degree of psychological detachment from climate change while measuring the change in student adoption of sustainable habits. Hypotheses posit positive correlations between hurricane impact and psychological distance to climate change and between hurricane impact and adoption of sustainable behaviours. Data analysis involves confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) to test these relationships. However, the study faces limitations due to a smaller-than-desired sample size, potentially impacting the generalizability and reliability of findings. Despite these limitations, the report provides insights into how hurricanes can shape students' perceptions and behaviours related to climate change.