Community based Climate Change Knowledge: Physical and Mental Health Challenges in Pakistan

The indigenous knowledge and perception, a cognitive dimension of climate change has been a neglected area by researchers in developing countries like Pakistan. Climate change is mostly derived from western culture and studied under different socio-economic, political, and cultural scenarios without considering local factors. In the present study, we focused on exploring the indigenous knowledge of climate change and its precursors in Pakistan. This study was based on a descriptive phenomenological approach. Twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with adults aged 31-53 years from Pakistan. Purposive sampling was used to collect data. We used thematic analyses for the interpretation of data. Perception of climate change, human action as a cause of climate change, natural causes of climate change, effects of climate change: effects on natural resources, effects on the physical and mental health, and role and response to the climate change at an individual level were explored through analyses. Population growth, industrialization, and heavy traffic were the causes of climate change, and physical and mental health issues were the major outcomes of climate change. Current study was a comprehensive effort to explore climate change knowledge and related mental health issues among adults in Pakistan. Researchers can use the emerged themes to develop an indigenous measure of knowledge about climate change and its effects on health of individuals. It provided us with the idea to start special efforts for educating the community about climate change and related health conditions. The findings of the study are purely based on the perspectives of the study participants, and this was ensured through data triangulation and an audit trail.