Public Perceptions on Climate Change and Adaptation Special Reference to Periyakulama Area

Climate Change is a long term shift or alteration in the climate of a specific location a region or the entire planet. The most profound impacts of climate change in Sri Lanka will be in agriculture and food security, water and coastal resources, biodiversity changes, and human health. Main objective of this study is to identify public perceptions on climate change and adaptation in periyakulama area. This study carried out using both primary and secondary data sources such as questionnaire survey, direct observations and group discussions. Through the questionnaire survey we were able to get some detail in quantitative manner. Generally it is relatively quick to collect information using a questionnaire. Therefore nine questionnaires were used for this study. The majority response is that the people who engage in natural resource related employment for a long period of time are very well aware of climate variations. Any change in climate affects their day to day lives. Although some respondents are aware of climate change to a minimum extent, most of them are unaware of the major reasons that lead to climate change. Majority of the people who are aware of climate change have identified deforestation as the major cause for climate variations. We got to know that impacts of climate change. Some distinct information is highlighted as follow, Pattern of Rainfall, Intensity of Rainfall, Changing seasons, Flood. Adaptation is a need of changes for the survival of the living beings in order to respond to the natural changes. Based on this there are some adaptations for climate change in Periyakulama area Reforestation, Growing Trees, Forest Farming Programmes and Using Agro well.