Fostering climate change awareness and disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities

Abstract

Climate change is a major threat to vulnerable communities around the world. This study aimed to determine climate change awareness, and disaster preparedness among communities of Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. A quantitative research design was utilized, with 377 residents from three selected study areas of lowland, coastal, and upland barangays. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. The results showed that the level of climate change awareness and preparedness among communities of Himamaylan City was low. However, there was a significant relationship between the level of awareness and preparedness. The study recommends that the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) develop and implement strategic actions and plans to amplify the people’s climate change awareness and preparedness. The CDRRMO may also partner with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations to develop and implement climate change adaptation programs and projects. The findings of this study can be used to develop and implement sustainable programs and projects to foster climate change awareness, preparedness, and adaptation practices in the community.