Citizen engagement in climate change adaptation

Abstract

Adaptation has developed as a significant topic of study and evaluation among researchers working in the field of climate change. According to the vast majority of scholarly research, the most important factor in determining adaptation is the availability of limited resources. Empirical research on adaptation has, for the most part, ignored the significance of observable and adaptable psychological elements in the process of deciding on adaptation up until this point.

This thesis has been constructed upon a socio-cognitive Model of Private Proactive Adaptation to Climate Change (MPPACC) in an attempt to highlight and justify the research that has been done in the fields of behavioural psychology and economics. The applicability of MPPACC has been investigated for the process of explaining adaptation in Tipu Block, New Garden Town, Lahore. 10 residents were interviewed in order to determine the motivators behind climate change adaptation with regards to urban flooding. Results showed that motivators varied amongst respondents based on their perception of the level of risk posed by urban floods. The main motivators found through this study include damage to personal property and belongings, household monthly income, and extent of government involvement.