Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Publication Date

3-1-2025

Abstract

Climate change, a critical global challenge, is evident in rising global temperatures, shifting precipitation trends, and extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, and rising sea levels. The impacts of climate change not only endanger physical health but also affect mental well-being, particularly among populations experiencing frequent or severe climate-related events. Understanding individual perceptions of climate risks and adaptive capacities is crucial for developing strategies that promote health resilience and environmental protection. This paper examines how risk perceptions, direct experiences with extreme weather, and perceived adaptive capacities influence climate change protection measures and support for relevant policies. Data were gathered from 291 respondents in the United Arab Emirates using structured questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, Spearman correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to determine key predictors of policy support. The results indicate that age is positively correlated with policy support (ρ = 0.16, p = 0.001), while gender also plays a role, with women showing greater risk perception and stronger policy support than men. In contrast, formal education and employment status do not significantly impact policy endorsement or climate adaptation behaviors. These findings suggest that awareness-based interventions alone may be insufficient to drive climate action. Instead, policies should leverage older individuals’ experiences, enhance workplace and community-based climate engagement, and prioritize hands-on, action-oriented education to bridge the gap between climate knowledge and adaptive behavior.

ISSN

1661-7827

Volume

22

Issue

3

Disciplines

Computer Sciences

Keywords

climate change policy, climate risk perception, extreme weather events, perceived adaptive capacity, sustainability and adaptation

Scopus ID

05001297583

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Hybrid: This publication is openly available in a subscription-based journal/series

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