Title: Perceptions, experiences, and adaptation strategies of communities facing extreme weather events in India: a qualitative exploration

Authors: Jaya Bharti

Addresses: Department of Psychology, ANDNNMM (CSJM University), Harsh Nagar, Kanpur, 208012, India

Abstract: Today, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as floods, heat waves, cyclones and droughts. The design of adaptation policies depends on awareness and understanding of how different people across the world perceive and interpret events. Focusing on their emotional responses, coping mechanisms and adaptation strategies, this qualitative study is an attempt to examine the lived experiences of people from many parts of India affected by catastrophic weather events. Through in-depth interviews with thirty participants from urban, rural and coastal areas, this study uncovers the complex interaction of individual experiences, social influences and cultural beliefs in shaping climate adaptation behaviour. The results shed light on psychological barriers, community resilience and the role of local stories in promoting or impeding adaptation efforts.

Keywords: climate change; extreme weather events; adaptation; India; risk perception; qualitative research; resilience; emotional responses.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2025.150073

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2025 Vol.24 No.4, pp.357 - 368

Received: 19 Apr 2025
Accepted: 20 Jul 2025
Published online: 28 Nov 2025 *

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