Climate Change and Human Health: Unveiling the Perceptions of Kuakata Municipality in Bangladesh

Kuakata Municipality, located in the Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali district, has become increasingly vulnerable to the adverse health impacts of climate change. Owing to its unique topography and coastal setting, the area is highly exposed to natural disasters, which intensify existing environmental and health-related risks. Growing scientific evidence shows that climate change is accelerating, contributing to significant ecological disturbances and posing serious challenges to human well-being. Against this backdrop, the present study investigates community-level perceptions and knowledge gaps concerning climate change and its associated health impacts in Kuakata Municipality. The primary objectives of the study were to assess residents’ understanding of how climate change affects human health and to identify possible strategies for minimizing these impacts. A semi-structured questionnaire was used as the main data collection tool, supported by key informant interviews and focus group discussions to ensure the validity of findings and capture diverse community perspectives. The results indicate that climate change has a pronounced influence on human health in Kuakata. Commonly reported climate-sensitive illnesses include diarrhea, skin diseases, headaches, malnutrition, stroke, and hypertension. Climate-induced environmental changes have also contributed to declining agricultural yields, fish populations, and livestock production, which indirectly intensify health vulnerabilities by undermining food security and household livelihoods. A particularly alarming finding relates to the health risks faced by pregnant women, who exhibit heightened susceptibility to complications such as hypertension, premature births, and other climate-related stressors. The study further reveals that while indigenous knowledge and traditional practices are used in some communities to manage climate-related health issues, overall resilience remains limited due to inadequate awareness and insufficient adaptive capacity. Local government initiatives such as training programs and health awareness campaigns have played a positive role in reducing health risks and improving community coping mechanisms. Encouragingly, younger generations demonstrate a higher level of awareness and a stronger ability to adapt compared to earlier generations. Despite these improvements, significant challenges persist. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring access to quality medical services and enhancing community awareness are critical for reducing climate-induced health risks. A comprehensive approach that integrates community participation, indigenous knowledge, and effective government interventions is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of vulnerable populations in this climate-sensitive region.