EXPERIENCE OF LIVING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE AMONG PARTICIPANTS IN UNITED STATES; AN INTERPRETATIVE PHENOMENOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Climate change, characterized by long-term alterations in weather patterns and temperature, poses a significant threat to the planet and its inhabitants and living with climate change has generated diverse experiences to different people. This study therefore aims to explore the kind of experience people in different regions have living with climate change. A qualitative method involving phenomenological analysis was used and a total of 11 participants were recruited and data collected using open-ended questions and data collected were analyzed using themes. From the data analysis, five themes emanated which were fear and hope, witnessing loss and burden of injustice, community resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change, urgency for action and hope for the future and living in constant state of fear and vulnerability. The findings were discussed and conclusions were drawn. It was recommended that there is need for strengthening global cooperation, promotion of environmental justice, supporting resilience communities, raising of awareness and inspiring actions, strengthening climate change adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions, enhancement of renewable energy development in these regions and strengthening international cooperation for climate finance and technology transfer.