Understanding Psychological Drivers of Attitudes Towards Coastal Climate Adaptations in the Minas Basin, Nova Scotia

Abstract

Coastal climate adaptations are changes in human behaviour that tackle the social and ecological challenges arising from sea level rise. Such adaptations are used in Nova Scotia, but have been met with some degree of public resistance. In this study, we sought to explore the drivers of resistance to two specific coastal climate adaptation strategies: flood risk mapping and managed dyke realignment. Using a survey administered to residents of the Minas Basin region, we found that while an overall majority of residents supported both strategies, 30% expressed resistance to flood risk mapping on the basis of real estate value concerns, and 20% expressed resistance to managed dyke realignment that would involve retreating homes or businesses. These results highlight that while the psychological drivers of resistance for each adaptation strategy vary, being self concerned is a common underlying driver of resistance in both cases.