Societal Context of Observed Differences in Perceptions Regarding Climate Change Impacts in the Maldives

Miko Maekawa (), Raheema Abdul Raheem, Adam Khalid, Akiko Sakamoto and Mikiyasu Nakayama
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Miko Maekawa: The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, 1-15-16 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8524, Japan
Raheema Abdul Raheem: The Faculty of Health Sciences, The Maldives National University, H. Sosunge, Sosun Magu, Malé 20068, Maldives
Adam Khalid: Faculty of Engineering, The Maldives National University, H. Sosunge, Sosun Magu, Malé 20068, Maldives
Akiko Sakamoto: Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan, Shiodome City Center 5F, 1-5-2 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-7105, Japan
Mikiyasu Nakayama: Global Infrastructure Fund Research Foundation Japan, Shiodome City Center 5F, 1-5-2 Higashi Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-7105, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-17

Abstract: The Maldives is one of the few atoll countries in the world, with an average elevation of just 1.5 m above sea level. The country faces the possibility of submersion, without adequate adaptation measures, if the current trends persist. The present study aimed to examine the societal context of observed differences in perceptions regarding climate change impacts in the two locations in atoll islands of the Maldives: Hithadhoo and Kulhudhuffushi, situated in the southernmost and northernmost islands within the country, respectively. A questionnaire survey was conducted at both locations, with follow-up semi-structured interviews. With regard to Hithadhoo, a higher percentage of residents recognize the impacts of climate change and sea level rise (SLR) and are more likely to take individual actions and encourage government action. Residents of Kulhudhuffushi reported fewer observed impacts of climate change and SLR, with a significant majority not taking specific actions or relying more on broader measures. These findings highlight the differences in perceptions regarding and responses to climate change impacts between the two areas, which can be attributed to different environmental conditions, awareness levels, and socioeconomic factors, including culture and values. This also indicates the need for tailor-made strategies and policies for climate change adaptation in different regions of a single nation.

Keywords: climate change; adaptation; atoll; sea level rise; the Republic of Maldives (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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