Conceptual and practical barriers to
adaptation
Dr. Johanna Wolf1*
Dr. Irene Lorenzoni1
Dr. Roger Few2
1Tyndall
Centre for Climate Change Research
School of Environmental Sciences
2Overseas Development Group
School of Development Studies
University of East Anglia
Norwich
UK
*email j.wolf@uea.ac.uk
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
High vs. low self-efficacy
High 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
5
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’ vulnerability
Barrier to adaptation
6
Responses constitute reactive
adaptation
• Primarily reactive responses to heat
stress
• Very few cases of anticipatory responses
• Almost no long-term adjustments
Proactive, long term adaptation does not
readily happen
Raises questions about adaptive
capacity of this population group
7
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
8
Thank you
Comments or questions?
Email me at j.wolf@uea.ac.uk
9