Community Perceptions of Anthropogenic Climate Change in the Indian Lakshadweep Archipelago

Background and Purpose:Lakshadweep, a small archipelago in India, faces significant environmental threats due to climate change and anthropogenic activities. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and the degradation of marine ecosystems are prominent challenges (Kikstra et al., 2022). Moreover, these challenges lead to degraded coral reefs, depleted fisheries, and disrupted local ecosystems (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2017). Consequently, the local communities, heavily reliant on the coral reefs and marine resources for their livelihoods, are experiencing the direct impacts of these environmental changes (Cinner et al., 2012; Dutra et al., 2021). This study examined how the community perceives these environmental threats, the impacts on their everyday life and island ecosystems, and their strategies for adaptation, providing a ground-level perspective crucial for effective climate adaptation practices.

Methods:This qualitative study employed virtual, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 residents from Lakshadweep Archipelago, including fish workers, activists, youth, NGO workers, forest department officials, and students. Thematic analysis, as outlined by Clarke & Braun (2013), was employed to analyze the interview transcripts systematically. The analysis involved an iterative process that started with multiple readings of the data to become familiarized with its content. Initial codes representing distinct ideas were generated from these readings. These codes were then refined and organized into overarching themes related to the participants' perceptions of environmental changes, the impacts and causes of these changes, and their responses to them.

Findings:This study highlights profound concerns among Lakshadweep residents regarding significant environmental changes impacting their ecosystem and everyday life. Participants noted stark declines in marine biodiversity, including the degradation of coral reefs and substantial reductions in seagrass meadows, shellfish, and fish populations. A decrease in agricultural productivity was observed on land, particularly in coconut yields, coupled with increased crop diseases. These changes are primarily attributed to climate-related impacts (e.g., extreme weather events and heat waves) and direct human interventions (including unsustainable fishing practices, pollution, and development activities). The consequences of these environmental changes are far-reaching, affecting local livelihoods through diminished fish catches and reduced agricultural output, exacerbating food insecurity and economic instability. Health concerns are also emerging in connection with environmental degradation. While government interventions exist, suchas coral reef restoration projects and environmental protection policies, community engagement is sporadic, and policy implementation often falls short. For example, measures intended to protect turtles have inadvertently disrupted local ecosystems, illustrating the complex interplay between conservation efforts and unintended consequences. Furthermore, while traditional knowledge is employed in adaptation strategies, these efforts are hindered by a lack of collective action and structural barriers, including restrictive land-use regulations. There is a sense of apathy towards long-term environmental risks among many in the community, with only a fraction demonstrating an active response to these challenges.

Conclusions and Implications:Findings highlight the need for a holistic approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of climate change and local activities in designing effective adaptation strategies. Prioritizing community-centered solutions, integrating traditional knowledge, and reforming policies to address the unique challenges faced by islanders are essential for building resilience in islands like Lakshadweep.