Abstract
Policies in the context of global change involve a high degree of uncertainty, as knowledge about future
changes and the effectiveness of potential measures is insufficient. Our study set out to investigate how
members of the public evaluate policy options that aim at adaptation to climate change, and more
specifically, to reduce the risk from flooding and low flows. We explored how hierarchically structured
networks of values and beliefs shape public preferences and attitudes towards two different policies,
insurance and a sustainable flood management scheme. In particular, we assessed the role of governancerelated
values such as efficiency, solidarity and sustainability that allow individuals to evaluate a policy
option even if its outcomes are highly uncertain. To this end, we conducted a survey among members of the
Scottish public (n=1033). Findings from spike models and structural equation modelling suggested that
there was general support for both policy measures, with a preference for the sustainable flood management
approach. In particular, we found perceived severity of change, trust in government, governance-related
values and fundamental values to inform attitudes and willingness to pay (WTP) for policy measures. More
specific constructs, such as attitudes, were embedded in contexts of more abstract and situationtranscendent
values.
© 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2279 - 2291 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Ecological Economics |
Volume | 69 |
Publication status | First published - 2010 |
Bibliographical note
1020902Keywords
- Adaptation to climate change
- Flooding
- Governance
- Protection motivation theory
- Random card sorting
- Willingness to pay