PERCEPTIONS AND ADAPTATION CAPACITIES OF FISHER MEN ON CLIMATE CHANGE: THE CASE OF PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES

This study examines the perception and adaptive capacities of fisher men on climate change. In this study, we interviewed fisher men and their community leaders. Results of the study showed that the fisher men interviewed presented a variety of perceptions towards climate change. The variations in their perceptions are mainly influenced by their sensitivities towards the impact of climate change. Respondents perceiving that climate change do not bring detrimental impacts that may affect their way of living have likewise perceived that there is no need to cope and adjust to the situations where climate change may affect them. Research Limitations: Limited information acquired and experienced by the fisher men may have contributed to why most fisher men do not think that it is a necessity to experiment new techniques and develop ways that will improve or alleviate their existing predisposition. Value: Improving the respondents’ knowledge pertaining to climate change would enable them to make the appropriate decisions of how they can cope and adjust to situations that make them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.