Perception of the inhabitants of the department of Caldas, Colombia on the effects of climate change on water quality

Abstract

Climate change has direct effects on the availability and quality of water for human consumption. In order to propose actions aimed at reducing vulnerability caused by water shortages and risk management required due to extreme events, real knowledge of the community`s perception is vital. This study developed in the department of Caldas, in the Colombian Andean region, analysed the perception of the incidence of climate change particularly related to water resources. To achieve this, a survey was used with various actors based on the first National Survey of Public Perception of Climate Change. The results show that the respondents perceive that the availability and quality of water are indeed highly threatened by climate change. As actions for adaptation, they suggested the promotion of the protection of hydrographic basins and a greater control of dumping liquids into surface water sources. Finally, they requested increased opportunities to improve water governance and participation in decision-making bodies regarding climate change, which they see as a fundamental aspect to achieve a real climate empowerment that can lead to action and adaptation in the territories in emerging countries.