Contribution of perceptions to the acceptability of adaptation tools to sea level rise

Abstract

Using a perception survey of 782 residents of 227 French coastal communities, this study examines the underlying motives for the acceptability of property relocation policies in response to sea level rise. These policies are concerned with new land-use management methods that aim to reduce coastal vulnerability and are recommended for adaptation to climate change. The originality of the approach is to simultaneously analyze both the perception and acceptability of relocation policies and, through econometric models, compare the factors that facilitate or hinder their implementation. A wide variety of variables were tested to demonstrate the complexity of social and psychological determinants. The data show 52% of the sample have a negative perception of relocation. The results highlight social norms and perceived sense of control as the variables that could help increase acceptability of relocation. Therefore, efficiency and trust in the implementing institutions are important to increase acceptability of public policies.