Level of Congruence between Household Perspectives and Mexican Climate Policies on the Issue of Climate Change

Abstract

This study examines the extent of congruence across the issue of climate change between households and climate policies, based on a case study in Nuevo León, Mexico. We used thematic analysis to examine responses from a household survey and classify perceptions of climate change, which resulted in seven main themes. We then reviewed how the themes are used in selected climate policies to make a comparison between them and household perceptions. We found climate policy concerns focused on mitigating greenhouse gases, preparing for extreme weather events, and reducing impacts that affect economic development in Nuevo León and Mexico. By contrast, respondents showed a wider range of concerns and are especially worried about current issues in their homes and everyday lives. As households have an important role to play in addressing climate change, we argue that a stronger congruence between household perceptions and climate policies could make policies more approachable for households, and thus have a positive impact on policy implementation.

Keywords

• households
• climate change perceptions
• policy congruence
• climate policy
• latin america