Paper Title
STAKEHOLDER PERCEPTIONS OF EXTREME EVENT ATTRIBUTION IN INDIA

Abstract
People and institutions approach scientific knowledge on climate change as they do any external information; by filtering it through their fundamental values, social interactions, worldviews (cultural, political, and economic), and personal experiences. These filters add complexity to how each individual or institution perceives risk, influencing the feasibility and acceptability of climate adaptation planning, policymaking, and implementation. There has been limited investigation of individual perceptions of extreme weather attribution and their implications, especially in rapidly emerging and vulnerable nations like India. The study objectives and aims intend to fill this knowledge gap by drawing on 40 semi-structured interviews with three diverse groups of stakeholders- Climate researchers, NGOs and Local communities and businesses in five sites of India that have experienced extreme heatwaves (Delhi, Nagpur, Rajasthan)and rainfall events (Chennai, Kerala).Based on past EEA case studies, the study provides original research results to contribute to the wider debate about attribution studies’ involvement in climate adaptation and development.The research study undertaken suggests that stakeholder perceptions are highly influenced by the proximity and awareness towards implications and risks associated with extreme weather events in their personal and professional capacities.These results help explorethe on-the-ground viability of attribution science based on the views held by the stakeholders towards the existing and plausible utilities and hazards of attribution science. The inquiry provides relevant information on how to engage attribution studies in climate change adaptation practices and communication for public engagement. Keywords - Extreme Weather Events, Attribution Science, Public Perception, Climate Adaptation, India