Public perception of climate change and disaster preparedness: Evidence from the Philippines

The Philippines is highly susceptible to both geophysical and climate-related disasters. This
article explores Filipinos knowledge and perception of climate change and their association with
what action Filipinos take to prepare for rapid onset natural hazards such as typhoons. Data for
this study were collected from a nationally representative random survey of 5,184 adults conducted between March and April of 2017. Filipinos self-report relatively low levels of knowledge
of climate change and cited increased temperatures, shifts in seasons, and heavier rains as the
most likely consequences. Levels of disaster preparedness in the Philippines differ widely by region. Although most Filipinos perceive that natural hazards are a risk to them, only a third of
Filipinos undertake measures to prepare for disasters. Filipinos who perceive climate-related
changes directly impacting their households report taking greater action to prepare for disasters. Filipinos who believe they have been directly impacted by climate-related changes are
also more likely to prepare for disasters, take planning actions, and undertake material actions to
prepare, such as dwelling improvements. Other factors associated with disaster preparedness
include gender, membership in an association, wealth, risk perception, and prior exposure to and
losses due to disasters. The findings imply that, while posing different challenges and requiring
different responses, adaptation to climate change and disaster preparedness are inherently
associated and potentially mutually reinforcing. Policies and programs would arguably benefit
from a more unified intervention framework that links climate change adaptation and disaster
preparedness.