Navigating climate change: Climate change awareness and strategies in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in a developing economy

PLOS One | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327165 July 2, 2025 9 / 26 Furthermore, Panel B, C, and D in Table 2 present the results according to each category. There is a persistent trend across all types of ventures showing “High Knowledge” about concepts such as “Climate Change” and “Global Warm- ing.” Specifically, MSMEs exhibit a higher awareness level (Mean MSMEs = 3.97) in contrast to the other subsamples (Mean SE = 3.65; Mean SBO = 3.73). Moreover, the MSMEs subsample showcases a higher awareness level regarding concepts such as “Greenhouse Gas Mitigation,” “Adaptation to Climate Change Impacts,” and “Offsetting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions” (Mean MSME = 3.17) compared to the other subsamples (Mean SBO = 2.80; Mean SE = 2.80). Finally, the SE subsample shows the lowest awareness level about “Carbon Neutrality” and “Decarbonization” (Mean SE = 2.28) in contrast with the other subsamples (Mean SBO = 2.33; Mean MSME = 2.68). In summary, smaller businesses are less aware of CC strategies than larger ones. To assess the consistency of these patterns, we analyzed the distribution across categories using a Pearson chi-square (X2) homogeneity test. The results indicate statistically significant hetero- geneous behavior in the samples regarding their awareness levels on various climate-related issues: (a) Global warming (X2 = 33.08; p = 0.00); (b) Climate change (X2 = 25.10; p = 0.00); (c) Greenhouse gas mitigation (X2 = 43.72; p = 0.00); (d) Adaptation to climate change impacts (X2 = 31.17; p = 0.00); (e) Offsetting of greenhouse gas emissions

(X2 = 43.96; p = 0.00); (f) Carbon neutrality (X2 = 32.49; p = 0.00); and (g) Decarbonization (X2 = 28.58; p = 0.00). These findings highlight a significant divergence in the business community’s awareness of climate-related issues. They Table 1. Sample Description. Sectors By Economic classification SE SBO MSMEs Grand Total 254 648 551 Primary Sector 8 30 51 Agriculture, Livestock, Hunting, Forestry, and Fishing 6 23 38 Mining and Quarrying 1 1 9 Water Distribution; Sewage and Wastewater Treatment, Waste Management, and Environmental Sanitation Activities 1 6 4 Secondary Sector 36 170 224 Construction 1 12 37 Electricity, Gas, Steam, and Air Conditioning Supply 0 0 1 Manufacturing Industries 35 158 186 Tertiary Sector 210 448 276 Accommodation and Food Services 22 61 7 Administrative and Support Service Activities 8 15 19 Artistic, Entertainment, and Recreation Activities 0 8 4 Education 2 6 11 Financial and Insurance Activities 4 2 7 Human Health and Social Work Activities 2 6 4 Information and Communications 5 8 23 Other Service Activities 10 26 3 Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities 11 24 42 Public Administration and Defense; Compulsory Social Security 0 0 1 Real Estate Activities 0 7 15 Transportation and Storage 2 10 16 Wholesale and Retail Trade 135 255 122 Other commercial activities 9 19 2 Capital investors 0 1 0 Note. SBO = Small Business Owners; SE = Self-Employed; MSMEs = Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0327165.t001