Impacts of Climate Change: Evaluating the Awareness, Concern and Intent of Public Policy Support on Planning Adaptation of Bahamians

Abstract

The detrimental impacts of climate change on the Bahamas establishes the need for Bahamian citizens to be aware of the causes and effects that are related. This study conducts an assessment of the knowledge, concern and support of policy relative to climate change impacts of Grand Bahamians. The objectives were to assess the awareness and concern of Grand Bahamians; examine the difference in participants’ awareness and concern of climate change impacts; analyze the factors that influence the awareness and concern of climate change impacts of participants; and assess the predictive ability of the Value Belief Norm Theory in relation to the participants’ intent to support policy for climate change issues. A mixed-method approach was utilized where a survey questionnaire and Focus Group Interviews were conducted with members of the population. Findings of this study show that Grand Bahamians have a low level of scientific knowledge, a high level of concern regarding climate change and a strong intent to support policy for climate adaptation. Despite this low level of scientific knowledge, they have a developed experiential knowledge due to their frequent exposure to extreme climate events they perceive to be associated with climate change. The high level of concern influences their desire to support policies aimed at adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change.