Public Perception on Hydro-Climatic Extremes and Water Management Related to Environmental Exposure, SE Hungary

Increasing climate extremities, as consequences of climate change, highly affect the public and farmers in the SE Carpathian Basin. Our research aimed at the investigation of the perceptions and experiences of public, farmers and decision-makers on drought and inland excess water problems on the Hungarian part of this region, since their knowledge and cooperation are essential in the future planning of sustainable water management. Their opinions were explored by 481 questionnaires and 52 in-depth interviews addressing the perceived climate change impacts in everyday life and agriculture, causes of drought and inland excess water, possibilities of mitigation and adaptation, and sustainability of the present farming structure. The spatial distribution of the answers was compared with the spatial pattern of drought and inland excess water sensitivity based on environmental indicators. The results confirmed their high correspondence reflecting a realistic knowledge on severity, significance and the contributing factors. Individual responsibility, the lack of financial resources and an uncertain vision of public were considered as major weak points that could be improved to foster the implementation of an effective water management strategy. High efforts are necessary to outline the framework of inclusive planning processes with exact roles of all actors and find ways to motivate co-operation willingness and increase individual responsibility.