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Abstract

The southwestern coastal zone of Bangladesh is the most vulnerable area to climate change because of its dynamic geomorphology, poverty and reliance of many livelihoods on climate sensitive sectors. The study investigates the key determinants of micro-level community perception of climate change in different seasons and dimensions as well as their source of predictions. In this study, we have applied both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. A field investigation was performed in two Upazilas of the Bagerhat district and primary data were collected through personal interviews of 65 respondents with the structured questionnaire checklist. And secondary data were collected from journals, reports, and historical meteorological data. Findings reveal that there is a sharp economical gap among the interviewed people and 96% of them perceive the increase of heat intensity and extension of summer. 65% of respondents find the shortening of the winter season and feel the 3oC increase of minimum temperature that also revealed by the historical meteorological data analysis. The climate data also exhibits the 742.8 mm shortage of total rainfall during monsoon within a decade that is supported by 71% of people. Less than 25% of respondents find difficulties with groundwater but more than 50% complain the irrigation water dries up very soon. Almost all the respondents consider social media and TV news as well as their various senses are the source of their perception about local climate change. More than 90% of respondents perceive cyclones and salinity are their major hazards and also predict that storm surge along with sea level rise would add to this group. Policymakers should emphasize the outcomes of such study and design a zone wise adaptation plan that reflects public opinion, values, and demand.

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