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Who Talks About Flood Risks and Climate Change Adaptation? Analysis of Social Interactions in Three Countries.
Thorid Wagenblast1, Amineh Ghorbani1, Martijn Warnier1
1Department of Multi-Actor Systems, Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands.
Summary
Social interactions about climate adaptation are limited, infrequent, and not primarily with neighbors. However, those with hazard experience or higher risk perceptions are more likely to engage, suggesting social amplification effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Social Science
- Climate Change Adaptation Studies
- Risk Perception Research
Background:
- Social influences and norms are critical for climate change adaptation, yet the mechanisms are unclear.
- Understanding how social interactions shape risk perception and adaptation behavior is essential for effective policy.
- Limited research exists on the patterns and drivers of social engagement concerning climate risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the patterns of social interactions related to flood risk and adaptation.
- To analyze how these social interactions influence individual risk perceptions and adaptation behavior.
- To identify the determinants of social engagement in climate adaptation discussions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cross-country survey data (N=1612) from coastal areas in the Netherlands, UK, and USA.
- Statistical examination of social interaction patterns regarding flood risk and adaptation.
- Exploration of the relationship between social engagement, hazard experience, risk perception, and homophily.
Main Results:
- A significant portion (50%) of respondents reported no social engagement on climate risks and adaptation.
- Social interactions on these topics are infrequent (less than five times annually) and rarely involve neighbors.
- Individuals with prior hazard experience and higher perceived risk are more likely to engage in social discussions, indicating potential social amplification.
Conclusions:
- Social engagement regarding climate adaptation is limited, challenging assumptions about widespread peer influence.
- Findings suggest that social amplification mechanisms may be at play, driven by personal experience and heightened risk perception.
- Insights can refine models of social influence in climate change adaptation and inform communication strategies for policy support.
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