Climate Change Adaptation Practices of Locals in Nearby Coal-Fired Power Plants

Renato  M. Vergara,; Maria Elizabeth  D. Oabel,; Ma Jennifer  E. Matias,

Climate Change Adaptation Practices of Locals in Nearby Coal-Fired Power Plants

Renato M. Vergara | Ma Jennifer E. Matias | Maria Elizabeth D. Oabel

Abstract:

Communities situated near coal-fired power plants encounter global effects and localized health and environmental hazards from the industry that contributes significantly to climate change. While broad research exists on the impacts of coal plants and on community-based adaptation separately, there is a critical gap in understanding of navigation with its intensified risks. This study addressed this gap by investigating the climate change adaptation awareness and practices of residents in two barangays hosting major coal plants in Quezon Province, Philippines. Using a blended approach, results found a high level of community awareness regarding the role of the power plants in climate change and associated health risks. The adaptation programs include house modifications for extreme heat, and evacuation plans were predominantly incremental and reactive, focused on coping rather than systemic change. These practices were mostly sourced from transgenerational knowledge and personal experience. This concludes that while local knowledge provides a vital foundation for resilience, it is insufficient to address the scale of the threat. The study recommends a cooperative action to take part in these documented practices with disaster risk reduction planning and climate change adaptation policy. This integration is important to co-produce vigorous, transformative adaptation strategies that can empower these frontline communities to move beyond coping mechanisms toward long-term resilience.

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