Linking flood risk perceptions and psychological distancing to climate change: A case study of rural communities along Indus and Chenab rivers, Pakistan

Climate change contributes to the increasing frequency and severity of floods around the globe. Developing countries are being disproportionally affected. In 2010, Pakistan witnessed one of the worst floods in its history. One-fifth of the country was severely affected, leading to major economic losses and casualties. Thus, it is imperative to understand climate change and flood risk perception for designing flood risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategies. This study examines flood risk perception and psychological distance to climate change of rural communities along the Indus and Chenab rivers in Muzaffargarh district, Pakistan. Flood risk perception was measured using three main components, i.e., awareness about floods, worry (about floods), and preparedness. Psychological distance to climate change was quantified using five dimensions, i.e., psychological, geographic, social, temporal, and uncertainty. Yamane sampling method was used, and 365 samples were collected. The data was collected using household surveys from rural communities. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, ANOVA-test, and Pearson's correlation were performed. Results indicate that overall flood risk perception and psychological distance to climate change was moderate in a high flood risk area. A negative correlation was also observed between uncertainty and worry. Regression analyses indicate a strong positive influence of homeownership on flood risk perception and the converse impact on the psychological distance to climate change. This study can help integrate the philosophies of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. The paper also highlights the need to improve risk communication strategies to help people understand climate change and its impacts, adopt precautionary measures, and reduce flood risks.