Most Cambodians say climate change affects livelihood: survey

PHNOM PENH, May 10 (Xinhua)—Ninety-five percent of Cambodian people said climate change has affected their livelihood and most Cambodians show limited understanding of climate change, said a survey report released on Tuesday.

The report entitled Understanding Public Perceptions of Climate Change in Cambodia noted that 67 percent of respondents said deforestation in Cambodia causes the weather to change and 59 percent thinks they are unable to respond to weather changes as they have little knowledge of it.

It highlighted that most people think that extreme weather events such as flood and drought are more frequent and intense, and they associate weather changes with rising temperatures, farming difficulties, reduced yield, drought, water shortages, and disease.

“The report is the first in-depth study on climate change in Cambodia,” said Mok Mareth, the minister of environment, during the report launching. “It is another major step that enables us to better understand public perceptions, and thus mainstream climate change in the country’s development efforts.”

Climate change is expected to have serious environmental, economic and social impacts on Cambodia as the Cambodian people have fewer resources and technology to adapt, especially, rural farmers, whose livelihoods depend on the use of natural resources, according to the press release at the launching.

“The findings are essential for all actors to make smarter investments in addressing climate change, particularly develop policies and programs that empower poor and marginalized communities to adapt to and recover from climate hazards,” said Brian Lund, Oxfam’s East Asia Regional Director.

“These investments must help vulnerable communities build resilience to the unpredictable weather that jeopardizes their livelihood, especially in agricultural production.”

The survey report had been conducted by BBC World Service Trust with the supports from the ministry of environment, Danida, Oxfam and the United Nations Development Program.  

The report consisted of a nationally representative sample of 2,401 respondents and additional in-depth interviews with 101 key informants including journalists, non-governmental organization staff and government officials.