Addressing Climate Change through Community Mobilization: A Systematic Review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.70917/jcc-2025-001

Keywords:

Climate change , Community mobilization, Climate resilience, Green Social work, SDG: Goal-13

Abstract

In the era of globalization, global warming poses a great threat to human survival and their well-being. Climate change is not hidden, and no one can deny this change. Every year it is being observed in the form of changing weather patterns, and extreme weather events, such as floods, droughts, and extreme cold. This global problem needs to be addressed not only globally but also at the local level for community mobilization, which will play an important role in tackling this change. Unless we all come together, we are the ones going to suffer, and human survival will be in danger on this planet. Methodology: This study conducts a systematic review and thematic analysis was done to complete this study. Objectives: To identify the effectiveness of community-based strategies to tackle climate change resilience. To provide recommendations to policymakers and social workers for enhancing community mobilization and collaboration in climate resilience efforts. The findings show that there is a practice of community-based strategies for climate resilience with the help of community-based adaptation planning, awareness among the people, and adopting climate resilient infrastructure.

Author Biographies

  • SAIFUDDIN SOZ, Research Scholar

    Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad 

  • Ibne Hasan, Maulana Azad National Urdu University

    Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad 

  • Md. Shahid Raza, Maulana Azad National Urdu University

    Professor, Department of Social Work, Maulana Azad National Urdu University- Hyderabad, 500032

References

Abbass, K., et al. (2022). A review of the global climate change impacts, adaptation, and sustainable mitigation measures. *Environmental Science and Pollution Research*, *29*(28), 42539‑42559. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356)‑022‑19718‑6 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-19718-6

Adams, R., et al. (2016). Sustainability‑oriented Innovation: A Systematic Review. *International Journal of Management Reviews*, *18*(2), 180‑205. [https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12068](https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12068) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijmr.12068

Agrawal, A. (2008). The Role of Local Institutions in Adaptation to Climate Change. *Public Discussion Authorized*, (February), 65. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1596/28274

Agrawal, A., & Lemos, M. C. (2007). A Greener Revolution in the Making?: Environmental Governance in the 21st Century. *Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development*, *49*(5), 36‑45. [https://doi.org/10.3200/ENVT.49.5.36](https://doi.org/10.3200/ENVT.49.5.36)‑45 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/ENVT.49.5.36-45

Allen, K. M. (2006). Community‑based disaster preparedness and climate adaptation: Local capacity‑building in the Philippines. *Disasters*, *30*(1), 81‑101. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467)‑9523.2006.00308.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9523.2006.00308.x

Aryal, J. P., et al. (2020). Climate change and agriculture in South Asia: adaptation options in smallholder production systems. *Environment, Development and Sustainability*. Springer Netherlands. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668)‑019‑00414‑4

Ayers, J., & Forsyth, T. (2009). Community‑based adaptation to climate change. *Environment*, *51*(4), 22‑31. [https://doi.org/10.3200/ENV.51.4.22](https://doi.org/10.3200/ENV.51.4.22)‑31 DOI: https://doi.org/10.3200/ENV.51.4.22-31

Berkes, F., & Jolly, D. (2002). Adapting to climate change: Social‑ecological resilience in a Canadian western arctic community. *Ecology and Society*, *5*(2). [https://doi.org/10.5751/es](https://doi.org/10.5751/es)‑00342‑050218 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-00342-050218

Berrang‑Ford, L., Ford, J. D., & Paterson, J. (2011). Are we adapting to climate change? *Global Environmental Change*, *21*(1), 25‑33. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.09.012](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.09.012) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.09.012

Bhamra, R., Dani, S., & Burnard, K. (2011). Resilience: The concept, a literature review and future directions. *International Journal of Production Research*, *49*(18), 5375‑5393. [https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2011.563826](https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2011.563826) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2011.563826

Bibri, S. E., & Krogstie, J. (2017). Smart sustainable cities of the future: An extensive interdisciplinary literature review. *Sustainable Cities and Society*, *31*, 183‑212. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.02.016](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.02.016) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2017.02.016

Biesbroek, G. R., et al. (2010). Europe adapts to climate change: Comparing National Adaptation Strategies. *Global Environmental Change*, *20*(3), 440‑450. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.03.005](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.03.005) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2010.03.005

Biesbroek, G. R., et al. (2013). On the nature of barriers to climate change adaptation. *Regional Environmental Change*, *13*(5), 1119‑1129. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113)‑013‑0421‑y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-013-0421-y

Bisaro, A., Roggero, M., & Tomas, S. V. (2018). Institutional Analysis in Climate Change Adaptation Research: A Systematic Literature Review. *Ecological Economics*, *151*, 1‑35. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.04.016](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.04.016) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.04.016

Brooks, N., Adger, W. N., & Kelly, P. M. (2005). The determinants of vulnerability and adaptive capacity at the national level and the implications for adaptation. *Global Environmental Change*, *15*(2), 151‑163. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2004.12.006](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2004.12.006) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2004.12.006

Bryan, E., & Behrman, J. (2013). Community‑Based Adaptation to Climate Change: A Theoretical framework, Overview of Key Issues and Discussion of Gender Differentiated Priorities and Participation. *CGIAR Systemwide Program on Collective Action and Property Rights (CAPRi)*, (109), 36.

Chanda, C. T., et al. (2024). Climate Change and Increasing Drought Frequency in African Countries: A Systematic Analysis. *GSJ Global Scientific Journal*, *12*(6).

Chusnia, D., & Nugroho, S. (2023). Analysis of Opportunities and Challenges of Community‑based Adaptation as an Action to Combat Climate Change. *RESILIENCE*, *24*(11), 1‑11. [https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.24](https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.24)‑11‑2023.2346500

Conrad, C. C., & Hilchey, K. G. (2011). A review of citizen science and community‑based environmental monitoring: Issues and opportunities. *Environmental Monitoring and Assessment*, *176*(1‑4), 273‑291. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661)‑010‑1582‑5 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-010-1582-5

DeCock‑Caspell, M., & Vasseur, L. (2021). Visualizations as a tool to increase community engagement in climate change adaptation decision‑making. *Facets: A Multidisciplinary Open Access Science Journal*, *6*(1), 240‑251. [https://doi.org/10.1139/FACETS](https://doi.org/10.1139/FACETS)‑2020‑0032 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/facets-2020-0032

Djalante, R., & Thomalla, F. (2011). Community Resilience to Natural Hazards and Climate Change: A Review of Definitions and Operational Frameworks. *Asian Journal of Environment and Disaster Management (AJEDM)‑Focusing on Pro‑Active Risk Reduction in Asia*, *3*(3), 339. [https://doi.org/10.3850/s1793924011000952](https://doi.org/10.3850/s1793924011000952) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3850/S1793924011000952

Dodman, D., & Mitlin, D. (2013). Challenges for Community‑Based Adaptation: Discovering the Potential for Transformation. *Journal of International Development*, *25*(5), 640‑659. [https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.1772](https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.1772) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jid.1772

Eakin, H. (2005). Institutional change, climate risk, and rural vulnerability: Cases from Central Mexico. *World Development*, *33*(11), 1923‑1938. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.06.005

Ebi, K. L., & Semenza, J. C. (2008). Community‑Based Adaptation to the Health Impacts of Climate Change. *American Journal of Preventive Medicine*, *35*(5), 501‑507. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2008.08.018](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2008.08.018) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2008.08.018

Elasha, B. O., et al. (2005). Sustainable livelihood approach for assessing community resilience to climate change: case studies from Sudan. *AIACC Working Paper*, (17), 1‑26.

Fawzy, S., et al. (2020). Strategies for mitigation of climate change: a review. *Environmental Chemistry Letters*, *18*(6), 2069‑2094. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311)‑020‑01059‑w DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-020-01059-w

Filho, W. L. (2017). *Climate change research at universities: Addressing the mitigation and adaptation challenges*. Springer. [https://doi.org/10.1007/978](https://doi.org/10.1007/978)‑3‑319‑58214‑6

Folke, C. (2006). Resilience: The emergence of a perspective for social‑ecological systems analyses. *Global Environmental Change*, *16*(3), 253‑267. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2006.04.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2006.04.002) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2006.04.002

Ford, J. D., et al. (2018). Preparing for the health impacts of climate change in Indigenous communities: The role of community‑based adaptation. *Global Environmental Change*, *49*, 129‑139. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2018.02.006](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2018.02.006) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2018.02.006

Füssel, H. M. (2007). Adaptation planning for climate change: Concepts, assessment approaches, and key lessons. *Sustainability Science*, *2*(2), 265‑275. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625)‑007‑0032‑y DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-007-0032-y

Gompf, K., Traverso, M., & Hetterich, J. (2020). Towards social life cycle assessment of mobility services: systematic literature review and the way forward. *International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment*, *25*(10), 1883‑1909. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367)‑020‑01788‑8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-020-01788-8

Greenhalgh, T., et al. (2016). Achieving Research Impact Through Co‑creation in Community‑Based Health Services: Literature Review and Case Study. *Milbank Quarterly*, *94*(2), 392‑429. [https://doi.org/10.1111/1468](https://doi.org/10.1111/1468)‑0009.12197 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0009.12197

Groulx, M., et al. (2017). A Role for Nature‑Based Citizen Science in Promoting Individual and Collective Climate Change Action? A Systematic Review of Learning Outcomes. *Science Communication*. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547016688324](https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547016688324) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1075547016688324

Healy, L. M., & Thomas, R. L. (2020). *International social work: Professional action in an interdependent world*. Oxford University Press.

Hügel, S., & Davies, A. R. (2020). Public participation, engagement, and climate change adaptation: A review of the research literature. *Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change*, *11*(4), 1‑20. [https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.645](https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.645) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.645

IPCC. (2023). *Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report* (P. Arias et al., Eds.). Geneva, Switzerland. [https://doi.org/10.59327/IPCC/AR6](https://doi.org/10.59327/IPCC/AR6)‑9789291691647

Joshi, N., Agrawal, S., & Lie, S. (2022). What does neighbourhood climate action look like? A scoping literature review. *Climate Action*, *1*(1), 1‑13. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168](https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168)‑022‑00009‑2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168-022-00009-2

Klöck, C., & Fink, M. (Eds.). (2019). *Dealing with climate change on small islands: Towards effective and Sustainable Adaptation*. Göttingen University Press. [https://doi.org/10.17875/gup2019](https://doi.org/10.17875/gup2019)‑1208 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17875/gup2019-1208

Lokotola, C. L., et al. (2023). Climate change and primary health care in Africa: A scoping review. *Journal of Climate Change and Health*, *11*, 1‑11. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2023.100229](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2023.100229) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joclim.2023.100229

Lwasa, S. (2015). A systematic review of research on climate change adaptation policy and practice in Africa and South Asia deltas. *Regional Environmental Change*, *15*(5), 815‑824. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113)‑014‑0715‑8 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-014-0715-8

McLeman, R., & Smit, B. (2006). Migration as an adaptation to climate change. *Climatic Change*, *76*(1‑2), 31‑53. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584](https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584)‑005‑9000‑7 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-005-9000-7

Mensah, J. (2019). Sustainable development: Meaning, history, principles, pillars, and implications for human action: Literature review. *Cogent Social Sciences*, *5*(1), 1‑22. [https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1653531](https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1653531) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2019.1653531

Milcu, A. I., et al. (2013). Cultural ecosystem services: A literature review and prospects for future research. *Ecology and Society*, *18*(3). [https://doi.org/10.5751/ES](https://doi.org/10.5751/ES)‑05790‑180344 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-05790-180344

Moser, S. C. (2016). Reflections on climate change communication research and practice in the second decade of the 21st century: What more is there to say? *Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change*, *7*(3), 345‑369. [https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.403](https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.403) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.403

Mubaya, C. P., & Mafongoya, P. (2017). The role of institutions in managing local level climate change adaptation in semi‑arid Zimbabwe. *Climate Risk Management*, *16*, 93‑105. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2017.03.003](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2017.03.003) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2017.03.003

Mugeere, A., Barford, A., & Magimbi, P. (2021). Climate Change and Young People in Uganda: A Literature Review. *Journal of Environment and Development*, *30*(4), 344‑368. [https://doi.org/10.1177/10704965211047159](https://doi.org/10.1177/10704965211047159) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10704965211047159

Nelson, D. R., Adger, W. N., & Brown, K. (2007). Adaptation to environmental change: contributions of a resilience framework. *Annual Review of Environment and Resources*, *32*, 395‑419. [https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.32.051807.090348](https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.32.051807.090348) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.energy.32.051807.090348

Ngcamu, B. S. (2023). Climate change effects on vulnerable populations in the Global South: a systematic review. *Natural Hazards*, *118*(2), 977‑991. [https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069](https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069)‑023‑06070‑2 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-023-06070-2

Ostojic, J. (2022). *Community‑based Adaptation to Climate Change‑A Scoping Review of Success Factors, Challenges & Lessons Learnt*. DIVISION OF RISK MANAGEMENT AND SOCIETAL SAFETY, (6), 1‑59.

Pham, H., & Saner, M. (2021). A Systematic Literature Review of Inclusive Climate Change Adaption. *Sustainability*, *13*(19). [https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910617](https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910617) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su131910617

Phillips, W., et al. (2015). Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship: A Systematic Review. *Group and Organization Management*, *40*(3), 428‑461. [https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601114560063](https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601114560063) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1059601114560063

Revi, A. (2008). Climate change risk: An adaptation and mitigation agenda for Indian cities. *Environment and Urbanization*, *20*(1), 207‑229. [https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247808089157](https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247808089157) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247808089157

Robinson, S.‑A. (2020). Climate change adaptation in SIDS: A systematic review of the literature pre and post the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. *Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Climate Change*, *11*(4), 1‑21. [https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.653](https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.653) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.653

Sharma, A., Andhikaputra, G., & Wang, Y.‑C. (2022). Heatwaves in South Asia: Characterization, Consequences on Human Health, and Adaptation Strategies. *Atmosphere*, *13*(5), 1‑20. [https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13050734](https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13050734) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13050734

Sheppard, S. R. J., et al. (2011). Future visioning of local climate change: A framework for community engagement and planning with scenarios and visualisation. *Futures*, *43*(4), 400‑412. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2011.01.009](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2011.01.009) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2011.01.009

Soz, S., & Mankar, D. (2021). Impact of Climate Change on Rural Livelihood: A Case Study of Central Rajasthan. *Journal of Climate Change*, *7*(4), 19‑27. [https://doi.org/10.3233/JCC210022](https://doi.org/10.3233/JCC210022) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/JCC210022

Soz, S., & Raza, M. S. (2024). Disruption in Agricultural Pattern Due to Unpredictable Weather Conditions and its Effect on Farmer’s Family of Kishanganj District of Bihar. *Journal of Climate Change*, *10*(1), 35‑42. [https://doi.org/10.3233/JCC240005](https://doi.org/10.3233/JCC240005) DOI: https://doi.org/10.3233/JCC240005

Tanner, T., et al. (2009). Urban Governance for Adaptation: Assessing Climate Change Resilience in Ten Asian Cities. *IDS Working Papers*, *2009*(315), 1‑47. [https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2040](https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2040)‑0209.2009.00315_2.x DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2040-0209.2009.00315_2.x

Tranfield, D., Denyer, D., & Smart, P. (2003). Towards a Methodology for Developing Evidence‑Informed Management Knowledge by Means of Systematic Review. *British Journal of Management*, *14*(3), 207‑222. [https://doi.org/10.1111/1467](https://doi.org/10.1111/1467)‑8551.00375 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-8551.00375

Tyler, S., & Moench, M. (2012). A framework for urban climate resilience. *Climate and Development*, *4*(4), 311‑326. [https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2012.745389](https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2012.745389) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2012.745389

UNDP. (2015). *Community Based Adaptation to Climate Change*.

UNFCCC. (2016). *The Paris Agreement*.

Warner, K. (2010). Global environmental change and migration: Governance challenges. *Global Environmental Change*, *20*(3), 402‑413. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2009.12.001](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2009.12.001) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2009.12.001

Westerhoff, L., et al. (2018). Social mobilization on climate change and energy: An evaluation of research projects in British Columbia, Canada. *Energy Research and Social Science*, *46*, 368‑380. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2018.07.022](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2018.07.022) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2018.07.022

Zenda, M. (2024). A systematic literature review on the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in South Africa. *Heliyon*, *10*(18), 1‑13. [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38162](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38162) DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e38162

Downloads

Published

2025-03-31 — Updated on 2026-10-09

Versions

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Climate Change

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Addressing Climate Change through Community Mobilization: A Systematic Review. (2026). Journal of Climate Change, 11(1), 13. https://doi.org/10.70917/jcc-2025-001 (Original work published 2025)