Understanding Preferences for Coastal Climate Change Adaptation: A Systematic Literature Review

Angela Mallette, Timothy F. Smith, Carmen Elrick-Barr, Jessica Blythe and Ryan Plummer
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Angela Mallette: Sustainability Research Centre, School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
Timothy F. Smith: Sustainability Research Centre, School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
Carmen Elrick-Barr: Sustainability Research Centre, School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, QLD 4556, Australia
Jessica Blythe: Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON LS2 3A1, Canada
Ryan Plummer: Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON LS2 3A1, Canada

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 15, 1-22

Abstract: Lack of public support for coastal adaptation can present significant barriers for implementation. In response, policy makers and academics are seeking strategies to build public support for coastal adaptation, which requires a deeper understanding of peoples’ preferences for coastal adaptation and what motives those preferences. Here, we conduct a systematic literature review to understand preferences for coastal adaptation options and the factors influencing these preferences. Ninety peer-reviewed publications meet the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed that hard protection options were often the most frequently preferred, likely due to a desire to maintain current shoreline, for the protection of recreational spaces and private property, and a perceived effectiveness of hard protection options. Soft protection, including nature-based approaches, accommodation, and no action were the next most preferred options. Finally, retreat options were the least preferred, often due to strong place attachment. We identify twenty-eight factors that could influence preferences, with risk perception, place attachment, and financial considerations occurring most frequently in the literature. In the conclusion, we outline the most significant research gaps identified from our analysis and discuss the implication for adaptation research and practice.

Keywords: climate change; coastal systems; coastal management; adaptation; systematic review; public perception; public opinion; preference; protect; accommodate; retreat (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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