Sharing of people’s perceptions of past and future hydro-meteorological changes in the groundwater use area

The study revealed local people’s perceptions (PP) of the past and future hydro-meteorological changes in a groundwater use area in Thailand. A statistically significant increase at the 95% confidence level was found in the annual mean surface air temperature, rising over the period from 1955 to 2012. From 1993 to 2012, statistical values and hydro-logical extreme events showed the highest variability relative to the period from 1955 to 1992, which could be a signal of climate change impacts in the study area. The majority of people (94.7–100.0%) shared that less available surface water may occur and that this result is driven by climate change. However, a majority of elder generation (≥41 years old, 55.6–84.2%) do not realize the potential climate change impacts because their groundwater will alleviate the problems. Incorrect PP on groundwater was confirmed by 81.8–89.5% of people who shared that climate change will not impact groundwater. Furthermore, past hydrological extreme events should bear in the people’s mind; however, the shared PP on the flood and drought events were not correct. Exposure time to flood (approximately 1 week) and drought (approximately 5 months) is one of the potential factor on the misperception. Examining the PP of different generations, people who are≥41 years old shared almost the same PP, and the people who are≤40 years old showed more awareness of climate change impacts. From an optimistic point of view, the younger generation realized potential climate change impacts; thus, the implementation of future adaptations is expected to have strong cooperation.