Perception and adaptation to climate change in vulnerable regions

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Understanding and implementing strategies to adapt to climate change is essential for maintaining the livelihoods and well-being of the human population. In Colombia, interest in climate change is increasing, reflected in growing attention towards adaptation and mitigation strategies. There is a lack of detailed research on this subject, especially in ecologically significant areas like the La Mojana region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception of different focus population groups such as fishermen, farmers and ranchers on climate change, regional adaptation strategies and implementation of public policies in the La Mojana Region of Northern Colombia, which is highly vulnerable to extreme climate phenomena. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to assess the dynamics of scientific production at both national and global levels, focusing on the perception and adaptation policies related to climate change. METHODS: Data collection for this study involved conducting semi-structured questionnaire interviews with 420 participants from the fishing, agriculture, and livestock sectors. The aim was to gain insights into their perspectives on climate change risks and the mitigation measures they have implemented. A bibliometric analysis using the SCOPUS scientific database was conducted to explore global and Latin American publication trends related to climate change perception and adaptation policies, with a particular focus on Colombia. This analysis emphasizes the latest trends in research and the scholarly influence in the areas of climate change, public policies, and strategies for adaptation. FINDINGS: The findings indicated that all participants observed changes in climate patterns over the past two decades, specifically in terms of irregular rainfall patterns and disruptions in traditional sowing and harvesting cycles that were once considered predictable. Focus groups' perception aligned with historical meteorological data on flood and La Ni & ntilde;a phenomena. Priorities for government intervention include response to early emergencies, community participation, and stakeholder collaboration in future planning. Various strategies for adaptation were implemented, such as the management of communities, conservation of ecosystems, construction of resilient housing and livestock management, sustainable water management, and diversification of crops. Colombia ranks third in Latin America for scientific production on climate change perception and adaptation policies, with political context and international compliance key factors. CONCLUSION: The study highlights how climate change affects psychological well-being through social and economic insecurity, exacerbated by the local government's lack of intervention to mitigate the vulnerability of focal groups and strengthen their adaptation and resilience capacities against climate change Colombia's significant contribution to regional scientific production on climate change perception highlights the pressing requirement for further research to explore these issues and improve adaptation strategies in the area.