Contribution of perceptions to the acceptability of adaptation tools to sea level rise

Using a perception survey of 782 residents of 227 French coastal communities, this study examines the underlying motives for the acceptability of property relocation policies in response to sea level rise. These policies are concerned with new land-use management methods that aim to reduce coastal vulnerability and are recommended for adaptation to climate change. The originality of the approach is to simultaneously analyze both the perception and acceptability of relocation policies and, through econometric models, compare the factors that facilitate or hinder their implementation. A wide variety of variables were tested to demonstrate the complexity of social and psychological determinants. The data show 52% of the sample have a negative perception of relocation. The results highlight social norms and perceived sense of control as the variables that could help increase acceptability of relocation. Therefore, efficiency and trust in the implementing institutions are important to increase acceptability of public policies. Low acceptability of relocation policies depends on individual perception of policy feasibility (e.g. level of costs), status of the individual as owner or tenant, level of education and amenities that may benefit the individual (e.g. sea view).Citizens who believe their opinions are not shared by others are more likely to oppose relocation.Quality of governance influences the acceptability of relocation measures to citizens, notably through the inclusion of risk considerations in urbanization strategies, the existence of positive consent to a specific tax system, and by recognition of the courage of elected representatives to implement these policies.By adopting the theory of planned behaviour, we identify opposing or contradictory attitudes and behaviours. These demonstrate the existence of a NIMBY phenomenon and the importance of the degree of perceived control over relocation as key to acceptance (behaviour), which may be disconnected perceptions about relocation.