A Content analysis of People's Perception of Climate Change and Its Relationship with Flooding in Parts of Northwestern Iran

Background: Climate change is a significant natural factor contributing to environmental problems, resulting in substantial political, economic, social, and climatic consequences worldwide. This study aimed to explain people's perception of climate change and its relationship with flooding in parts of northwestern Iran, and to propose corrective strategies. Materials and Methods: This qualitative (phenomenological) study was conducted with the participation of ۳۳ villagers from Ardabil Province. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Data collection was facilitated with the help of rural health workers and through the researcher's in-person visits to selected villages. The data collection period spanned from September ۲۰۲۳ to December ۲۰۲۳. Results: Climate change has affected the lives of rural residents in various ways and across different dimensions. After analysis, ۱۰ themes and ۱۳ sub-themes were identified. Most participants perceived climate change primarily through experiencing extreme weather events. Discussion: Cultural, religious, and political contexts significantly influence how people perceive environmental changes. Among the general population of participants, most individuals understood climate change through the occurrence of intense and extreme events. Conclusion: Public perception of the risks associated with climate change is crucial for mitigating its adverse social, economic, security, political, and environmental impacts,particularly those related to flooding. Scientific planning and the implementation of targeted interventions tailored to the province's conditions—such as public education—are essential to mitigatethe consequences of climate change, particularly the risks of flooding in the region.

کلیدواژه ها:

Climate change ، Flooding ، Perception ، Rural Population