Participation in Environmental Management Programs of Individuals Affected by Extreme Weather Events

Abstract

After the onslaught of an extreme weather event, it is usually followed by increased calls for environmental management, attributing the occurrence of the extreme weather event to environmental degradation brought about by destructive human activities. This study seeks to find out if such concerns for the environment actually translate to increased awareness and actual participation in environmental management programs and activities. Using a purposive sampling method, research participants who were affected by the floods of Typhoon Ondoy and 2012 Habagat were asked to self-administer a questionnaire evaluating their awareness and participation in environmental management activities before and after they experienced the floods. The study indicates that experiencing a traumatic impact of an extreme weather event such as floods tend to have positive impacts among survivors of increased levels of awareness and participation in environmental management programs and activities.