Public Perceptions of Climate Change Trends in the Entre Douro e Minho Region (Northern Portugal): A Comprehensive Survey Analysis

Background: Understanding the perceptions of climate change among local populations is crucial for informing public awareness and supporting the development of evidence-based policies. The Entre Douro e Minho region in Northern Portugal faces significant climate challenges, yet comprehensive studies on local population perceptions remain limited. Objective: This study assessed public perceptions of climate change evolution among residents of the Entre Douro e Minho region, examining demographic and spatial influences on climate awareness and attribution beliefs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2024 and March 2025, targeting residents of the Porto, Braga, and Viana do Castelo districts. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, Spearman correlations, and non-parametric tests with psychometrically validated instruments. Results: Among 1749 valid responses (82.0% response rate), residents demonstrated high levels of climate change awareness (mean = 3.87/5.0) and a large number attributed this to anthropogenic causes (mean = 3.82/5.0). Education emerged as the strongest demographic predictor of climate attribution beliefs (ρ = 0.279, p < 0.001, small to medium effect), while age showed a negative association (ρ = −0.255, p < 0.001). Spatial analysis revealed significant district-level variations, with Viana do Castelo consistently showing higher levels of climate awareness across all measures. Wildfires (77.4%) and heatwaves (70.6%) were the most prevalent perceptions of extreme weather, while reforestation and forest management (77.3%) emerged as the most preferred adaptation strategy. Conclusions: This study reveals high levels of climate change awareness, characterized by significant demographic and spatial heterogeneity. Educational attainment and generational differences create distinct perception profiles requiring targeted communication strategies. These findings provide an evidence base for developing age-differentiated climate education programs and geographically tailored adaptation policies in Northern Portugal and similar European contexts.