Public Perceptions of Climate Change in the Peruvian Andes

How people subjectively perceive climate change strongly influences how they respond to its challenges. To date, relatively little is known about such perceptions in the Global South. This research examines public of Peruvian Andes, a semi-arid high-mountain region that highly exposed and vulnerable adverse effects change. Based on questionnaire data collected through face-to-face interviews (N = 1316), we found respondents identify various climate-related issues as most important challenges for their country. Many these are related water. Respondents also noticed more subtle changes expected them continue (e.g., extreme temperatures, food shortages). Climate impacts were clearly seen negative, which was reflected presence emotions. When compared previous research, had personally experienced weather events (80%) certain already changing, caused by human activity, affecting distant close places similarly. A comparison along different socioeconomic characteristics suggests groups rural, low income education levels) tended consequential, closer, natural (vs. anthropogenic) phenomenon than those from less groups. The salience water-related problems personal experiences events, well differences between subgroups, could be used improve measures adapt consequences correcting misconceptions population decisionmakers.