Contrasting Perspectives: Comparative Study of Climate Change Perceptions in Rural and Urban Areas of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

This research investigates the differing perceptions of climate change between rural and urban communities in Kyrgyzstan, exploring how these perceptions correlate with varying degrees of exposure to climate change impacts and educational attainment levels. The study employs a comparative case-study approach, integrating qualitative interview data collection method. The findings reveal a pronounced disparity in climate change perceptions between urban and rural respondents. Rural communities, closely tied to their natural surroundings for sustenance, demonstrate a heightened awareness and concern for the impacts of climate change. This heightened concern is attributed to their direct exposure to environmental changes and reliance on agriculture, which is deeply affected by climatic variations. In contrast, urban populations, while generally possessing higher levels of educational attainment and acknowledging climate change, exhibit a lesser sense of urgency. The urban respondents view climate change as a more distant threat, both temporally and spatially, often overshadowed by immediate urban challenges. Rural residents displayed a greater capacity for resilience and adaptability, implementing diverse and innovative adaptation strategies, mainly focused around the water accessibility. Urban adaptation measures, though present, tended to be less varied. The research underscores the complexity of climate change perception and the influence of direct environmental experiences over theoretical understanding. The study contributes to the broader discourse on climate change perception, offering valuable insights into the dynamics of rural and urban responses to environmental challenges in the context of a developing country like Kyrgyzstan.