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Conceptual and practical barriers to adaptation

Dr. Johanna Wolf1*

Dr. Irene Lorenzoni1Dr. Roger Few2

1Tyndall Centre for Climate Change ResearchSchool of Environmental Sciences

2Overseas Development GroupSchool of Development Studies

University of East AngliaNorwich

UK*email j.wolf@uea.ac.uk

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Perceptions of vulnerability to heat wave effects

• Objective– To explore how perceptions of vulnerability affect

adaptation actions among vulnerable population– To explore barriers to adaptation arising from such

perceptions• Methods

– Interviews with elderly people age 75+ and ‘carers’ in summer 2007

• 57 interviews in Norwich, 44 in London• Stratified by IMD1-2 (bottom end) and IMD4-5 (top end of

socio-economic spectrum)– Qualitative analysis of interview data using

grounded theory

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Analysis

• Individuals’ perceptions of vulnerability to effects of heat waves

• How perceptions may shape actions to reduce vulnerability

• Types of adjustments evident– reactive vs. anticipatory adaptation– short term vs. long-term adaptation– implications for adaptive capacity

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Many elderly do not perceive themselves as vulnerable

• Do not perceive themselves as elderly• Do not acknowledge heat as a threat• Identify factors which contribute to

vulnerability, but do not perceive themselves as vulnerable

• Do not associate health effects of heat with themselves

Reproduces “not me-not here” perceptions of climate impacts

Barrier to adaptation

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High vs. low self-efficacyHigh self efficacy:• Feel independent

and able to manage without help

• May refuse help offered

• Overestimate capacity to adjust

Perpetuate vulnerability

Unlikely to adjust

Low self efficacy:• Unable to take action

– Nothing can be done– Not sure what to do

• Distance from issue

Contributes to vulnerability

Reduces ability to adapt

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Social networks do not necessarily reduce vulnerability

• Carers may not perceive cared-for to be at risk, despite identifying the elderly as more vulnerable

• Carers’ awareness of health effects of heat and coping strategies often very limited

• Unaware of how medical conditions can further exacerbate vulnerability

Rely on poor advice or cope without effective help

Leads to ‘hidden’ vulnerabilityBarrier to adaptation

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Responses constitute reactive adaptation

• Primarily reactive responses to heat stress

• Very few cases of anticipatory responses• Almost no long-term adjustmentsProactive, long term adaptation does not

readily happenRaises questions about adaptive

capacity of this population group

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In combination, these results imply…Barriers to adaptation exist at the level of

individuals• Conceptual: emerge from perceptions of self,

concepts of aging, vulnerability, ability to foresee outcomes

• Practical: social interactions may exacerbate vulnerability

Heat as a non-issue, high/low self efficacy, social networks, and evidence of ongoing reactive adjustments together suggest anticipatory, long-term adaptation is unlikely

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Thank you

Comments or questions?Email me at j.wolf@uea.ac.uk