Unskilled Labourers’ Risk Perception, Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change in District Quetta, Pakistan

Abstract

This study tried to determine risk perception, vulnerability, and adaptation strategies of unskilled labourers towards climate change among in District Quetta, Pakistan. Data collection was performed through a questionnaire. Results show that majority of respondents (65%) were aware of climate change. About 38% of respondents strongly agreed that extreme poses serious threat to the unskilled labourers. Major climate related risks reported by the respondents were heatwaves (45%), Dust storms (22.5%), heavy floods (20%) and cold waves (12.5%). About 80% labourers experienced income instability due to climate change. About 65% of the respondents use informal coping mechanisms like changing work patterns (35%), engage in consumption of more water (25%), rest breaks (20.0%), other practices (12.5) and no practices adopted were (7.5%). The analysis shows that adaptive capacity is poor because of poverty, education, and poor implementation of policies though there is moderate awareness. A large majority (90%) indicated that intervention by the government was necessary with only 10% highlighting the need to have awareness programs.