Perception of climate change and adaptation measures at the local level: survey results from the Kruszwica Municipality

Abstract

Climate change is perceived as one of the most serious threats of the modern world, with consequences that can significantly affect the quality and functioning of both the natural and socio-economic environment. The survey conducted in 2024 showed that residents of the Kruszwica municipality are aware of climate change and the need for adaptation, however they lack initiative in taking effective measures to adapt and mitigate the negative effects of this phenomenon. Many people indicate that climate change is one of the key challenges of the modern world, and it is necessary to take both mitigation and adaptation measures, starting from the global level of governance and ending at the local level. Residents recognize that the Kruszwica municipality is an area particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, and the consequences in the form of droughts and heat waves are already negatively affecting the daily functioning of the local community. The analysis made it possible to draw the conclusion that the agricultural sector in the Kruszwica municipality is highly vulnerable to climate change, which poses a particular threat to the economic stability of the entity due to the key role of agricultural activities in the development of the local economy. Integrated water resources management can significantly reduce the vulnerability of agriculture to the impact of climate change, while the introduction of green elements will have a positive effect on increasing biodiversity and improving the microclimate in the municipality.