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Self and Place Constructs in Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments: Gaps and Recommendations

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  • Charles Herrick

    (DC Center, New York University, Washington, DC 20016, USA)

Abstract

In the United States, climate change vulnerability assessments are usually conceived as objectified exercises, based on theoretical orientations such as rational choice or systems theory. They adopt sectorial or population-level frames of reference and are operationalized by means of aggregating mathematical models, geospatial analytical platforms, and advanced visualization tools. While vulnerability assessments are intended to inform decision making, they often lack process-based mechanisms that enable them to be framed in terms of localized knowledge and perspectives. This is a weakness because occupant attitudes regarding places can spark unyieldingly negative reactions to expert-generated, objectivist vulnerability assessment processes and their outputs. In this paper, I attempt to demonstrate the salience of self and place constructs and explore the implications of their tendency to block serious reflection about the nature of potential vulnerabilities and risk management interventions. If acknowledged and addressed in a manner that is empathetic and context sensitive, it may be possible to channel these perspectives to elevate and deepen dialog about climate change and help to identify and compile circumstantially appropriate menus of adaptation policy interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Charles Herrick, 2021. "Self and Place Constructs in Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments: Gaps and Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-11, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:5:p:2990-:d:513819
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Steve Rayner & Elizabeth L. Malone, 1997. "Zen and the art of climate maintenance," Nature, Nature, vol. 390(6658), pages 332-334, November.
    2. Rosina Bierbaum & Joel Smith & Arthur Lee & Maria Blair & Lynne Carter & F. Chapin & Paul Fleming & Susan Ruffo & Missy Stults & Shannon McNeeley & Emily Wasley & Laura Verduzco, 2013. "A comprehensive review of climate adaptation in the United States: more than before, but less than needed," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 361-406, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Charles Herrick & Jason Vogel, 2022. "Climate Adaptation at the Local Scale: Using Federal Climate Adaptation Policy Regimes to Enhance Climate Services," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-20, July.
    2. Werner Krauß, 2023. "Slowing Down Climate Services: Climate Change as a Matter of Concern," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-14, April.

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