Social limits to climate change adaptation
Biophysical, economic, technological, and social factors constrain adaptation to climate change. While the importance of social constraints has long been recognised, they continue to pose significant challenges in most adaptation contexts.
About the research project
A limit to adaptation is the point beyond which valued outcomes cannot be secured, despite the adaptation measures adopted. Social limits to adaptation concern ‘valued outcomes’ related to four factors. Firstly, governance – for example, safeguarding the subsidiarity principle. Secondly, individual values, such as feeling attached to a place. Thirdly, social norms, as is the case for economic activities or traditions that constitutes identity markers. Fourthly, psychosocial preferences – for example, feeling that the measures adopted to prevent floods are not stringent enough. The project explores these factors using both qualitative and quantitative methods.
People
Project manager
Daniel Puig Postdoctoral Candidate