Abstract

Climate change is a leading threat to global prosperity. However, public support for climate action is related to concern about other socioeconomic challenges. This is particularly true for Africa, as it is vulnerable to climate change and faces other significant socioeconomic challenges such as poverty and unemployment. The study compares concern about climate change to concern for five significant social issues in Kenya—crime, unemployment, the economic situation, terrorism, and ethnic clashes. In addition, the determinants of climate change concern are examined. Surveyed university students rated their concern about climate change and five other social issues. Data was obtained from 480 student respondents registered in seven universities in Kenya using a questionnaire. An ordered logit model is used to assess the determinants of climate concern. The state of the economy, unemployment, and crime are rated more concerning than climate change. Trust in national government, concern for unemployment, and ethnic clashes increased concern for climate change. These results suggest the government should strive for credibility in its dealings with the public. Climate change policy intervention should promote job growth and social cohesion to gain public support.