Linking residential saltwater intrusion risk perceptions to physical exposure of climate change impacts in rural coastal communities of North Carolina

Abinash Bhattachan (), Matthew D. Jurjonas, Priscilla R. Morris, Paul J. Taillie, Lindsey S. Smart, Ryan E. Emanuel and Erin L. Seekamp
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Abinash Bhattachan: North Carolina State University
Matthew D. Jurjonas: North Carolina State University
Priscilla R. Morris: North Carolina State University
Paul J. Taillie: North Carolina State University
Lindsey S. Smart: North Carolina State University
Ryan E. Emanuel: North Carolina State University
Erin L. Seekamp: North Carolina State University

Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, 2019, vol. 97, issue 3, No 16, 1277-1295

Abstract: Abstract The salinization of freshwater-dependent coastal ecosystems precedes inundation by sea level rise. This type of saltwater intrusion places communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure at substantial risk. Risk perceptions of local residents are an indicator to gauge public support for climate change adaptation planning. Here, we document residential perspectives on the present and future threats posed by saltwater intrusion in a rural, low-lying region in coastal North Carolina, and we compare the spatial distribution of survey responses to physical landscape variables such as distance to coastline, artificial drainage density, elevation, saltwater intrusion vulnerability, and actual salinity measured during a synoptic field survey. We evaluate and discuss the degree of alignment or misalignment between risk perceptions and metrics of exposure to saltwater intrusion. Risk perceptions align well with the physical landscape characteristics, as residents with greater exposure to saltwater intrusion, including those living on low-lying land with high concentrations of artificial drainages, perceive greater risk than people living in low-exposure areas. Uncertainty about threats of saltwater intrusion is greatest among those living at higher elevations, whose properties and communities are less likely to be exposed to high salinity. As rising sea levels, drought, and coastal storms increase the likelihood of saltwater intrusion in coastal regions, integrated assessments of risk perceptions and physical exposure are critical for developing outreach activities and planning adaptation measures.

Keywords: Rural coastal regions; Climate adaptation; Climate change exposure; Residential risk perception; Sea level rise impacts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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DOI: 10.1007/s11069-019-03706-0

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