Awareness of coastal fishing communities on climate change and its impacts: a case study of coastal erosion and seawater inundation in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand

This paper aims to understand the current awareness of coastal people on climate change and its impacts, particularly the severity of coastal erosion and seawater inundation. Data and information were gathered from primary and secondary sources - using key informant interviews, questionnaires, field measurements and literature review - and analysed using scientific techniques and tools - climate models, GIS and remote sensing and SPSS. People's awareness is in the median level while their knowledge on climate change, especially in the context of its impacts, is really inadequate. Based on A2, AR4, in 2060, the rising rate of relative sea level will be up by 12.05 mm/year resulting in increased incidence of shoreline retreats and severe seawater inundations causing land loss of about 74% that affects 47% of households of the study area. Meanwhile, the current awareness is not adequate, especially on the severity of shoreline retreat and seawater inundation that continues to increase. To ameliorate and cope with climate change problems, the paper proposed two strategies, creating awareness among coastal people and protecting biophysical conditions of coastal areas. Results of the study provide vital information on climate change for policy makers and government agencies to promote adaptation measures.