This paper delves into the perceptions of urban residents in developing countries on climate change, underscoring the importance of these insights in formulating effective climate policies. As urban areas in these regions experience rapid growth and heightened vulnerability due to climate impacts, understanding local perspectives becomes crucial for both mitigating and adapting to climate change effectively.

The study contributes to the body of knowledge on public perceptions of climate change, focusing particularly on the urban populations of developing countries. Despite existing literature on the subject, there remains a scarcity of research concerning cross-national variations in climate change perception within this demographic, which this paper seeks to address. To gather detailed empirical evidence, we conducted an online survey with participants from eight major cities in countries across Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The survey primarily assessed climate change awareness, the perceived personal impact of climate changes, and evaluations of governmental and international responses.

The findings reveal that awareness and concerns about climate change significantly differ among urban populations, influenced by educational level, economic status, and direct climate impact experiences. Furthermore, the study explores the heterogeneity in perceptions, which is shaped by a complex interplay of demographic and socio-economic factors. This diversity in perceptions impacts the public's willingness to engage in climate change adaptation measures and supports varied policy preferences at the domestic and international levels.

Also, the findings emphasize the necessity for policymakers to consider the diverse perceptions of urban residents when implementing climate policies. Engaging these communities in developing countries is crucial for achieving widespread support and effective climate action. This approach aligns with the broader goals of sustainable development and international cooperation on climate challenges. By gaining a deeper understanding of varied urban perceptions, policymakers can more effectively prioritize actions and allocate resources in areas where the impact of climate change is most severe and the potential for meaningful change is significant.

Executive Summary

Chapter 1. Introduction
1. Research Background
2. Literature Review
3. Survey and Data

Chapter 2. Understanding the Drivers of Climate Change Perceptions
1. Empirical Strategy
2. Summary Statistics
3. Climate Change Perceptions along Multiple Dimensions
4. Climate Change Concerns in Specific Areas
5. Willingness-to-pay (WTP) for Climate-Related Tax
6. Discussion

Chapter 3. Perceptions on the Severity and Impact of Climate Change
1. Climate Change Beliefs and Attitudes
2. Evaluation of Impact of Climate Change on Daily Life
3. Perspectives on Policy Preferences and International Collaboration

Chapter 4. Perceptions on Government Policies and International Cooperation
1. Perceptions on Government Policies
2. Factors Affecting the Formation of Perceptions on Government Policies
3. Perceptions on International Cooperation

Chapter 5. Policy Implications
1. Implications for Public Awareness
2. Implications for Loss and Damage Funds
3. The Rising Expectations for the Global South’s Role in Climate Change Mitigation
4. Policy Recommendations for South Korea in Climate Change Cooperation with the Global South

References

Appendix

국문요약

Contributors