Background: Climate change is a global challenge with significant implications for ecosystems and health. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of communities is essential for designing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies. In India, where vulnerability to climate change is high, assessing public perception and response is particularly important.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 159 participants from both rural and urban areas. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire covering knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to climate change. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and results were expressed as frequencies and

percentages.

Results: The study included 159 participants, predominantly aged 15-24 years (96.9%) and female (59.7%), with most residing in urban areas (81.1%). Over half (58.5%) had good knowledge of climate change, but only 36.1% demonstrated moderate practices. Major perceived causes included deforestation (87.4%) and vehicle emissions (83.6%). Most participants viewed climate change as a shared responsibility (69.2%) and believed it currently poses health risks (79.9%). Commonly perceived disease risks were respiratory infections (83.6%), allergies (81.8%), and skin cancers (81.1%). Overall, awareness was high, but practical engagement in climate change mitigation remained limited.

Conclusions: The study highlighted a high level of awareness and concern regarding climate change among participants, alongside positive attitudes toward mitigation. However, discrepancies between knowledge, attitudes, and practices were evident. Strengthening climate change education, promoting community-based initiatives, and enhancing institutional support are crucial to translating awareness into sustainable collective action.

Keywords: Climate change, Community perceptions, Environmental awareness, KAP, Mitigation