Farmers' Perception and Attitude toward Climate Change in Coastal Ecosystem of West Bengal

Coastal area of India is more prone to the devastating impact of climate change. The present study was conducted in Sunderbans coastal ecosystem of West Bengal which is famous for mangrove forest and aquatic resources but this area is now under the adverse impact of climate change. Total six villages were identified from the two blocks of South 24 Pargana district of West Bengal for the present study. The main body of the research was carried out using a structured survey instrument. It was observed that nearly 38 per cent of the respondents had heard about climate change. Majority of farmers perceived that climate change is real and it is already underway. People of the Sunderbans area had mixed type of attitude toward climate change. They showed positive attitude towards government and scientists’ role in solving climate change related problem and majority of them were worried about indiscriminate destruction of plant and animal species of the Sunderbans area. Attitude of the people also reflected their helplessness orientation toward climate change.