1 Conceptual and practical barriers to adaptation Dr. Johanna Wolf 1* Dr. Irene Lorenzoni 1 Dr. Roger Few 2 1 Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research School of Environmental Sciences 2 Overseas Development Group School of Development Studies University of East Anglia Norwich UK *

2 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 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

3 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

4 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

5 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

6 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

7 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

8 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

9 Thank you Comments or questions? me at