Work

Climate Change in the Public Consciousness of the Altai Mountainous Country Residents (comparison of Sociological Data in Three Regions)

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The global character, scale of consequences and close connection with sustainable development make the issues related to climate change a priority and vital for the entire world community. Mountain areas are the epicenters of the climate crisis, accumulating not only natural risks associated with the degradation of glaciers and permafrost, but also ethno-cultural risks, the main consumers of which are indigenous peoples and their distinctive cultures. The article presents the results of sociological expeditions conducted in 2022-2023 in three regions of the Altai mountain country (Altai Krai, Republic of Altai, Republic of Tyva). Based on the data of structured interviews with residents (n = 1345), the assessments of the importance of climate change issues for residents are analyzed in conjunction with the assessments of the horizon of perceived climate change and its consequences, the relationship with environmental risks, adaptation to climatic conditions, security and life satisfaction. It is shown that climate issues occupy a significant place in the public consciousness of residents of mountainous regions; however, if in the national republics they are in the category of vital issues, in Altai Krai they are secondary and compete with economic and social problems. The perception of temporal characteristics is heterogeneous - in Altai Krai the initial point of changes is located more deeply on the time continuum, while residents of the republics tend to perceive changes in the near retrospect. The links with conjugate dimensions are regionally specific, but in general indicate that concern about climate risks is higher in social groups with increased vulnerability.

Source: SOCIETY AND SECURITY INSIGHTS

DOI: 10.14258/ssi(2024)2-01

Authors: Svetlana G. Maximova, Daria A. Omelchenko, Daria K. Shcheglova

Institution: Altai State University

Language: English

Topic: Climate Change Communication and Perception

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Climate action

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Royal Society, University of Cambridge