Fourteenth International Conference on Climate Change: Impacts & Responses

Abstract

Bangladesh is vulnerable to climate change due to its location at the mouth of the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna basin. Since 1999, Bangladesh has experienced 191 severe climatic events. Extreme weather caused by climate change endangers people and future generations. To combat climate-related disasters, we must strengthen our infrastructure and institutional capacity. Understanding public perceptions of climate change could help guide government policies, adaptation plans, and community initiatives. This study sought to establish baseline data on Bangladeshi citizens’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward climate change. An online, anonymous survey of the general population was conducted to gather quantitative and qualitative data on Bangladeshi knowledge, perception, and attitude towards climate change. The study used a structured questionnaire. Participants are mostly from Dhaka (70.25%) and educated to a medium level (79.75 percent undergraduate ). Everyone has heard of and understands climate change. More than a third of those polled saw the negative effects of climate change. Over half of the participants are willing to give up the personal gain to help solve current issues. They don’t consider environmental factors when buying goods and haven’t had the chance to participate in climate change-related environmental protection activities. Climate change knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions vary greatly in Bangladesh. With high knowledge and perceptions comes a varied attitude towards climate change. Along with raising awareness, the public should be encouraged to get involved in climate change-related issues.