Perceptions Of Climate Change Research Articles

Effects of Climate Change on Environmental Health in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area

This research investigates community perceptions of climate change and its implications for environmental health in the Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA) through a quantitative analysis of 150 participants. The study assesses awareness levels, attitudes, and adaptive measures, employing a regression analysis to identify factors influencing climate change awareness. Results reveal a generally high level of awareness, with specific concerns about air and water quality, vector-borne diseases, and perceived threats to overall well-being. The community actively engages in adaptive measures, expressing a desire for increased governmental involvement. The regression analysis highlights age, educational background, and socio-economic status as significant predictors of climate change awareness. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of targeted educational campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and addressing awareness disparities to enhance climate resilience in urban settings.

НЕГАТИВНЫЕ ЭМОЦИИ И ПОДДЕРЖКА КЛИМАТИЧЕСКОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ В РОССИИ

Current research suggests that the relationship between negative emotions and pro-environmental behaviour is not consistent across contexts, and that different negative emotions can both increase and decrease motivation to act. This paper is a post hoc analysis of the role of negative emotions in supporting climate change policy in the context of Russia, also examining the role of sociodemographic factors. Based on a randomized controlled experimental design with a total sample size of N = 246, we assess the expression of six negative emotions in relation to perceptions of climate change, and their role in increasing support for a set of key climate policies. The results show that the overall expression of negative emotions is positively associated with support for the full set of climate policies, but the effect varies significantly across policies. In terms of sociodemographic factors, taking into account the factor structure of the climate policy support, support for policies that relate to taxes is more strongly determined by education; support for policies that relate to energy infrastructure and business, as well as forest and water protection, is determined by gender; the latter is also negatively associated with respondents' income level. In practical terms, the results indicate the need to develop a balanced communication strategy to attract the attention of Russian society to climate change, to familiarize population with the short- and long-term effects of the introduction of various policies to counteract climate change, and to create an information flow that promotes an emotional attitude to the problem, which is as effective as possible for supporting policies developed by the state and the scientific community.

Socio-Economic Drivers of Climate Change Perception in Metropolitan Cities of Sub-Saharan Africa

This research used the metropolitan cities of Kano and Lagos in Nigeria to assess socio-economic variables that drive the perception of the two broad classes of climate change beliefs: "climate change is real" and "humans cause climate change." The multistage sampling technique was used to respectively select 134 and 278 respondents across the different neighbourhoods in Kano and Lagos metropolises. Uniformly in Kano and Lagos metropolises, beliefs in climate change reality and the human cause were influenced by residents' age, parental status, and level of education. Anthropogenic climate sceptics were strongly influenced by ethnicity in both Kano and Lagos metropolises. While Muslim-dominated Kano mostly believes climate change is occurring but not caused by human activity, the Christian-dominated Lagos believes in climate change's reality and human cause. The results can assist the government in knowing how to embark on enlightenment and environmental education where all socio-economic status will be captured. Keywords: Climate Change, Perception, Beliefs, Socio-Economics, Ill-health, Nigeria

Adapting Agriculture: Policy Implications of the Rise of Resistant Seeds in Farmers' Climate Change Strategy

This paper explores farmers' perceptions of climate change and their preferred adaptive and mitigatory strategies within Slovakia's Nitra region, aiming to devise recommendations for climate change-oriented agricultural policies. Our methodology incorporates an analysis of perspectives gathered from a regional survey using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and SuperDecisions software, complemented by a risk-attitude assessment using the modified Multiple Price Lists (MPL) method. A subsequent heterogeneity analysis correlates these preferences with respondents' socio-economic status and risk attitudes. Our findings underscore the use of improved, resilient seeds as a favored adaptation measure and reveal a correlation between farmers' socio-economic attributes and their climate change strategy preferences. Based on this, we propose inclusive, micro-level agricultural policies that prioritize the unique climatic needs of the Nitra region and strongly consider the priority viewpoints of farmers within this region, aiming to promote sustainable agriculture under changing climatic conditions.

Perception and knowledge of climate change in students of the National University of Asunción

Esta investigación buscó describir la percepción y el conocimiento del cambio climático en estudiantes de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción para proponer estrategias para la acción hacia la sostenibilidad. Se aplicó una investigación con enfoque cualitativo, con un diseño no experimental y del tipo descriptivo. Como instrumento de recolección de datos, se utilizó la técnica de entrevistas personales semiestructuradas, basada en un cuestionario en donde el entrevistador tuvo la libertad de introducir preguntas extras para obtener mayor información. Como resultado, se pudo verificar que la población de estudio percibe los efectos del cambio climático en el día a día y además están de acuerdo con que se proyecten acciones en favor del medio ambiente, sin embargo conocen de manera muy superficial las informaciones científicas relevantes al tema. Por lo tanto se observa la necesidad de que la misma sea incorporada en las aulas y por medio de las actividades de Extensión Universitaria y favorecer con la formación de los recursos humanos que puedan promover el desarrollo sostenible.

Farmers’ perceptions of climate change affect their adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies in the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes

Farmers’ perceptions of climate change affect their adoption of sustainable agricultural technologies in the Brazilian Amazon and Atlantic Forest biomes

Using Data Science to Assess the Impact of Disaster Event on Climate Change Belief: Case of Australian Bushfire Catastrophe

Australia, vulnerable to bushfire incidents due to its unique climatic conditions, witnessed a transformative event in the 2019-2020 bushfire season. This research examines the impact of these bushfires on public perception of climate change. Leveraging robust statistical techniques, including McNemar's hypothesis testing and logistic regression, the study deciphers survey data collated pre and post these fires. The study's hypothesis that post-fire respondents are more likely to acknowledge climate change's role is confirmed. Factors such as education, political affiliation, and support for fossil fuel reduction are identified as influential predictors of climate change belief. The analysis also highlights the complex interplay of demographic characteristics and media exposure in shaping attitudes. Notably, direct firebush exposure showed a nuanced relationship with belief. The research underscores a significant shift in Australian attitudes toward climate change following the bushfires. These findings contribute to our understanding of public opinion dynamics and the role of experiential factors in climate change belief.

Sugarcane farmers’ perceptions of climate change and their “adaptation” methods in Fiji: adaptation for the industry or for their livelihood?

ABSTRACT This article addresses how Fiji’s sugarcane farmers perceive climate change, attempt to mitigate the impact, and plan to adapt to sustain their livelihoods. Fiji’s sugar industry has recently been struggling due to several factors, and the current climate change is further negatively affecting the industry. Previous studies on farmers’ adaptation methods to climate change across the world have introduced several adaptation methods for the future of agricultural practices; however, such approaches only function under the assumption that farmers are willing to continue engaging in agriculture under climate change. Abandoning sugarcane farms and converting careers has been seen as an undesirable adaptation. Our interviews with 30 sugarcane farmers in Western Viti Levu, Fiji, show that the farmers do not necessarily wish to continue sugarcane farming. Instead, they explore options such as abandoning sugarcane farms or encouraging the next generation to pursue another career pathway for a better future. Under such circumstances, a top-down approach expecting the farmers to continue sugarcane farming by adopting agricultural coping methods may not function well. Instead, climate change policies should focus on preparing farmers for climate change by supporting them to re-envisage their future.

Climate change and water scarcity impacts on sustainability in semi-arid areas: Lessons from the South of Iran

Understanding the effects of complex issues such as water scarcity on human society from the people's perspective is necessary to show how to adapt to these challenges. This research investigates and prioritizes the effects of water scarcity on the sustainability of rural communities through a mixed research methodology, including a case study and a survey in a semi-arid region, located in southern Iran. The results of using the Analytical Hierarchy Processing (AHP) technique showed that local people identify the economic dimension of sustainability as a priority dimension. Moreover, the alternative of unsustainability under water scarcity in the area received the highest priority and had a larger value than the sustainability alternative. This can be the result of the restricting international policies against Iran and the global climatic condition. Local communities, particularly farmers, perceive climate change and water scarcity as a global issue and a local challenge, which causes semi-arid areas to move towards unsustainability rather than sustainability. The sustainability of semi-arid areas under water scarcity requires climate change adaptation, appropriate long-term planning, and the removal of restricting international economic policies against nations.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Drivers Influencing Agriculture Development among Smallholder Farmers in Ecuador

Understanding smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change, technology, association involvement, and government policy, including its indicators, impacts, and impediments, is critical for promoting sustainable agriculture. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the most significant social and environmental factors restricting the agricultural development of small farmers in terms of credit facilities and government subsidies. The agriculture area of Colon (Ecuador) was selected for a stakeholder analysis to identify and assess the priority, needs, goals and requirements of key people regarding agriculture and environmental management. Besides, a logistic regression model was applied to estimate the effect of social and environmental independent variables on credit facilities and government benefits. According to results, smallholder farmers face many challenges, but targeted policy development, supporting the perception of climate change, and enhancing access to markets can help them overcome these obstacles.

AGE DIFFERENCES IN CLIMATE CHANGE ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIORS

Abstract Although previous studies show that older adults are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the actions of older adults to address climate change have not received much attention. The purpose of this study is to investigate age differences in the perception of climate change and the characteristics of pro-environmental behavior. We analyzed cross-sectional data from a nationally representative sample drawn from the 2022 Korea Social Survey. The sample consisted of 15,252 adults, including younger adults (aged 19-34, n=6,132) and older adults (aged 65+, n=9,120). Pro-environmental behavior included the following actions: using public transportation, recycling, reducing the use of disposable products, and saving water and power. T-test and moderation analysis were conducted. Results showed that the younger group was more likely to be aware of climate change than the older group (F=68.022, p< 0.01). However, older adults were less likely than younger adults to make food waste and save water and electricity more (p< 0.01). There were no age differences in recycling, which is a representative environmental protection behavior. Results from a moderation analysis revealed that younger adults made more effort to recycle in the lower level of climate change awareness whereas older adults made more effort to recycle in the higher level (B = .031, p< 0.01). The findings indicate that older adults may play a crucial role in taking action to respond to climate change and suggest that promoting awareness of climate change among older adults could be an effective strategy to encourage pro-environmental behavior.

Assessment of Climate Change Variables Impact on Fishing Livelihood of some Fishing Communities in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos, Nigeria

This study examined the impact of climate change variables on fishing livelihood in some communities in Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. It utilized a well-structured questionnaire that was distributed among the 306 respondents randomly to inquire into the demographic, fishing activities, perception on climate change and adaptation mechanism of respondents to climate change. It was found that 86.3% of the respondents were familiar with the climate change variables such as rainfall, windfall, drought etc. Also, 92.5%, and 85.8% of the respondents claimed to know that erratic rainfall and temperature respectively is due to climate change and affected their fishing activities. The perception of the respondents on the climate variability impact on the fishing activities has nothing to do with their gender at t (238) = -1.440, p = 0.151. A significant correlation was discovered in the perceived climate change variables and their effect on the fishing activities of the fisher folks in each of the communities (r =0.274; p<0.05). Perceived oscillation of unusual dry and wet season in the past few years was significant, c2 (1, N = 240) = 86.40, p<0.05 with the fishing activities and income. Lastly, Employment status, annual income and education share a non-significant relationship [F (2, 240) = 0.171, p=0.843] to swift adaptation to climate variable effects among the fish farmers. In conclusion, reduction in the fishing activities livelihood and income of the fisher folks in the communities has been ascribed to the effect of climate change variables.

Climate Change Perceptions and Associated Characteristics in Canadian Prairie Agricultural Producers

Climate change (CC) poses a threat to agricultural sustainability, which is important in the Canadian Prairies, as agriculture is a major occupation and driver of the economy. Agriculture involves both the creation and mitigation of emissions related to CC. To implement adaptation and mitigation practices, producers should accept CC as fact. This study is based in Saskatchewan, Canada, where CC denial is prevalent in public comments. To assess the validity of this anecdotal impression, this study provided a snapshot of Saskatchewan agricultural producers’ perceptions and observations of CC and assessed whether views on CC are associated with characteristics of political orientation and affiliation, mental flexibility, systems thinking, time orientation, climate knowledge, climate observations, and demographic variables. A survey was developed with the following four sections: (1) individual characteristics; (2) observed changes in climate-related variables; (3) knowledge and perceptions about CC; and (4) demographic variables. The survey included multiple-choice questions and items scored on a Likert scale. The survey was completed by 330 Saskatchewan agricultural producers (i.e., farmers and ranchers). The results indicated more CC denial in Saskatchewan producers than in other Canadian samples. Individual and socioeconomic characteristics of lower levels of formal education, identifying as male, conservative political affiliation and ideation, low trust in science, and low mental flexibility were associated with less acceptance and concern of CC. It is therefore necessary to consider socioeconomic and individual characteristics of producers in measures aiming to increase the acceptance of the reality of CC. Future intervention research should target male producers with lower levels of formal education, low trust in science, low mental flexibility, and right-leaning political ideation for the improvement of CC perceptions and examine different teaching methods (e.g., lectures, workshops, webinars) and dissemination methods (e.g., online versus in-person sessions) to see how various techniques may influence learning, as well as the way the information is used by particular groups.

Climate change perception scale: Adaptation and psychometric properties in the Indonesian context

AbstractOne of the crucial factors in changing behaviour towards pro‐environmental actions is climate change perception. The latest measurement tool for assessing this variable is the Climate Change Perception Scale (CCPS). However, CCPS has not gained widespread adoption and usage across different cultures, including Indonesia, and no analyses have been conducted to adapt and validate CCPS in the Indonesian context. Therefore, this study aimed to adapt, validate, and assess the measurement tool's consistency in Indonesia's cultural context. To investigate the instrument's psychometric properties, two studies (n = 358, 415) were conducted in Indonesia to provide evidence of the internal consistency, convergent validity, and predictive validity of CCPS. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) showed that the Indonesian version of CCPS, which consists of 15 items, with three for each dimension, accurately and reliably measured perception of climate change. CCPS also demonstrated good convergent validity, as indicated by the significant correlations with a nature relatedness (r = 0.425, p < 0.01) and biospheric value (r = 0.341, p < 0.01) construct. Furthermore, it exhibited predictive validity by predicting pro‐environmental behaviour, β = 0.243, b = 0.176, t(413) = 5.10, p < 0.01. However, the Indonesian version of CCPS still needs to be tested and confirmed through various studies, considering the poor validity of the temporal dimension and the weak factor loading of the consequence dimension in Study 2.

Perception of climate change-related forest dieback in mountain forests among the local population

Mountain forests provide multiple benefits but are threatened by climate change-induced forest dieback. Although many studies summarize perceptions of forest ecosystem services, relatively few deal with mountain forests. The local population’s perception of forest dieback in mountain forests in relation to climate change has rarely been investigated so far. Their perspective is relevant as local people are often deeply attached to “their” forests, they actively use forest ecosystems and—as voters and taxpayers—they need to support the state’s adaptation and funding measures. Therefore, this study investigates the climate change and forest dieback perception of local inhabitants in two mountain areas of Southern Germany (the German Alps and the Bavarian Forest) with a quantitative survey based on representative online samples (n = 709). Relying conceptually on van der Linden’s (J Environ Psychol 41:112–124, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2014.11.012) climate change risk perception model, the results show that experiential processing, cognitive and socio-cultural factors are related to locals’ forest dieback and climate change perception, while socio-demographics show no or few connections. Nearly two-thirds (64.7%) of the respondents perceive moderate to strong forest dieback, while more than half (55.0%) of the respondents already observe consequences of climate change. The perceptions of climate change and forest dieback are positively correlated with medium to high strength. This shows that forest dieback could be interpreted as an indicator of climate change, which is difficult to observe due to its long-term nature. We identify three groups of respondents regarding preferred forest adaptation strategies to climate change. In general, respondents support nature-based forest adaptation strategies over intense measures.

“The Urban Poor and Vulnerable Are Hit Hardest by the Heat”: A Heat Equity Lens to Understand Community Perceptions of Climate Change, Urban Heat Islands, and Green Infrastructure

As the global temperature and rapid urbanization continue to rise, urban heat islands (UHIs) also continue to increase across the world. Following the heat equity concept, UHIs disproportionately impact disadvantaged or overburdened communities. Green infrastructure (GI) has been at the forefront of UHI mitigation efforts, including nature-based solutions like parks, pervious open spaces, wooded areas, green roofs, rain gardens, and shade trees. In this paper, we use a heat equity lens to analyze community perceptions of the intersection of climate change, UHI, and GI in Camden, New Jersey—a post-industrial city with a history of environmental injustices. Based on a mixed-methods analysis of survey responses (n = 107), 11 years of relevant X (formerly Twitter) posts (n = 367), and geospatial data, we present community perceptions of and connections between climate change, UHI, and GI and discuss major themes that emerged from the data: perceived heat inequity in Camden triggers negative emotions; a public knowledge gap exists regarding climate change-UHI-GI connections; and perceived inequitable distribution of GI and certain GI planning and maintenance practices may negatively impact UHI mitigation strategies. We argue these themes are useful to urban planners and relevant professionals while planning for heat equity and mitigating UHI effects in disadvantaged urban communities like Camden.

Climate change perception and its association with cancer screening intent.

As the climate crisis deepens, its adverse effects on human health are becoming evident, including impacts on cancer pathogenesis and treatment. This study explored the link between individuals' awareness of the health impacts of climate change and interest in cancer screening. Using the 2021 Health Information National Trends Survey, our study demonstrated astatistically significant association between recognition of climate change as a personal health threat and interest in cancer screening. Although the study's retrospective nature and self-reported data pose some limitations, these findings signal a promising avenue for future research on the intersection of climate and cancer risk. This research supports the development of public health interventions that incorporate components of environmental health literacy alongside cancer screening efforts.

Climate change perceptions, impacts on the catches, and adaptation practices of the small-scale fishermen in Togo's coastal area

Many indigenous people and local communities in coastal Togo depend on fisheries for food and livelihoods. Already threatened by over-exploitation and other challenges, climate change also affects fishery resources. Adaptations are key strategies to reduce the negative impacts of climate change on the fishery but are unlikely to be effective without understanding the fishermen's perception of the extent of this phenomenon. This paper explores fishermen's knowledge and perceptions of climate change and their adaptations in response to the perceived impacts. We assessed fishermen's opinions of how recent variations in climate affected their catches. Using semi-structured questionnaires, we surveyed by interviewing randomly selected 112 marine capture small-scale fishermen in the Togolese coastal area from June 1 to July 30, 2022. The results indicate that most fishermen notice changes in many aspects used as key indicators of climate change that directly affect their fishing activities. Fishermen perceived that the climate had changed in recent years and they were negatively impacted. Interviewees reported average higher temperatures, a rise of the sea level, strong wind, and erratic rainfall. Diversification of the economic activities, Changes in the fishing ground, Knowledge of weather up-to-date information, and Time fishing adjustment were given as their major adaptation strategies. Most respondents expressed a desire to adopt other behaviors that are more responsible by receiving more training on climate change risks and sustainable fisheries management. However, the lack of financial assets, tools, and other technologies makes them vulnerable to coping promptly and efficiently with climate change and other natural disasters that threaten their activity and livelihoods.

We used to ‘chase the rains’ away in the past: the role of cultural values and beliefs in shaping farmers’ perceptions of climate variability and change in North-west Ghana

ABSTRACT This paper explores how cultural values and beliefs influence farmers' perceptions of climate variability and change (CVC). Using Doggoh and Tie in North-west Ghana, the study reveals four narratives linked to cultural values and beliefs explaining climate changes: a decline in ritual sacrifices, young people having sex outside homes, traders holding on to rains for business, and indiscriminate murder without necessary sacrifices. The study suggests that more qualitative studies on the role of cultural worldviews in shaping farmers' interpretations of climate changes are needed, as different cultural contexts may have different worldviews about climate change causes. This will contribute to our holistic understanding of the subject matter of the causes of CVC.

Effects of communicating the rise of climate migration on public perceptions of climate change and migration

Climate change-induced migration is a rapidly increasing phenomenon estimated to affect millions of people in the coming decades. With increasing media coverage of climate migration, including within the United States, it is critical to understand how to effectively communicate about this issue. In two high-powered experiments of U.S. Democrats and Republicans (& leaners; Study 1: N = 1452; Study 2: N = 1873), we test the effects of fictional news coverage about domestic and international climate-induced migration on climate change and migration risk perceptions, warmth toward migrants, and policy support. We also tested whether including a personal story about a specific migrant alongside numerical trends could increase support for climate change mitigation and aiding potential migrants. Impacts on climate outcomes were minimal: in Study 1, those exposed to different message frames reported similar climate policy support and risk perception in Study 1, and, in Study 2, domestic (but not international) climate migration coverage slightly increased climate risk perceptions and marginally increased mitigation policy support compared to a no-message baseline. In both studies, international migration was perceived as riskier to Americans than domestic migration, and coverage of international migration heighted this perceived risk. Coverage of domestic climate migration, on the other hand, did not boost risk perceptions of that type of migration. Furthermore, coverage of international climate migration led to greater support for adaptation infrastructure to help potential migrants stay home but did not affect support for policies to help migration. Contrary to expectations, the inclusion of personal stories did not affect warmth toward migrants in either study. Political affiliation dominated associations with all climate change and migration outcomes, likely obscuring potential framing effects. These results suggest that coverage about climate-induced migration may face challenges in shifting entrenched public opinion and policy support. Communicators should be aware of the limitations of using this type of coverage to promote constructive actions to address climate change and migration.