Uncertainty in the “New Normal”: Understanding the Role of Climate Change Beliefs and Risk Perceptions in Michigan Tree Fruit Growers’ Adaptation Behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-422
Author(s):  
Julia Linder ◽  
Victoria Campbell-Arvai
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
State Agency ◽  
Climate Risks ◽  
Tree Fruit ◽  
Change Beliefs

AbstractIn the midwestern United States, intensifying impacts from climate change necessitate adaptation by the agricultural sector. Tree fruit agriculture is uniquely vulnerable to climate change due to the long-lived nature of perennial systems, yet very few studies have addressed how fruit growers perceive climate change and are responding to climate risks. For this study, 16 semistructured interviews were conducted with Michigan tree fruit growers to understand how their climate change beliefs, beliefs about adaptive actions, and climate-related risk perceptions influence adaptation behaviors. While there was a great deal of uncertainty about the anthropogenic nature of climate change, growers generally agreed that unprecedented changes in climate and weather patterns were occurring. Because of a perception of little control over future climate impacts, most growers reactively adapted to climate risks that negatively impacted their orchards by implementing measures such as frost protection, irrigation, pesticides, and crop insurance. This study highlighted that while proactive adaptations such as crop diversification, planting new varieties, and improving soil health will be necessary to increase farm resilience in the future, growers were unable to justify making these changes due to their uncertainty about future climate changes. The findings from this study highlight the need for future outreach efforts by university extension agents, private agricultural advisors, and federal and state agency advisors to provide educational information on the long-term impacts of climate change in order to help growers increase the resilience of their farm in the face of future climate impacts.

The effects of extreme drought on climate change beliefs, risk perceptions, and adaptation attitudes

2015 ◽  
Vol 135 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Stuart Carlton ◽  
Amber S. Mase ◽  
Cody L. Knutson ◽  
Maria Carmen Lemos ◽  
Tonya Haigh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Extreme Drought ◽  
Change Beliefs

scholarly journals Characterization of European cities’ climate shift – an exploratory study based on climate analogues

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-452
Author(s):  
Guillaume Rohat ◽  
Stéphane Goyette ◽  
Johannes Flacke
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Public Health Services ◽  
European Continent ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Climate Shift ◽  
European Cities ◽  
The Future

Purpose Climate analogues have been extensively used in ecological studies to assess the shift of ecoregions due to climate change and the associated impacts on species survival and displacement, but they have hardly been applied to urban areas and their climate shift. This paper aims to use climate analogues to characterize the climate shift of cities and to explore its implications as well as potential applications of this approach. Design/methodology/approach The authors propose a methodology to match the current climate of cities with the future climate of other locations and to characterize cities’ climate shift velocity. Employing a sample of 90 European cities, the authors demonstrate the applicability of this method and characterize their climate shift from 1951 to 2100. Findings Results show that cities’ climate shift follows rather strictly north-to-south transects over the European continent and that the average southward velocity is expected to double throughout the twenty-first century. These rapid shifts will have direct implications for urban infrastructure, risk management and public health services. Originality/value These findings appear to be potentially useful for raising awareness of stakeholders and urban dwellers about the pace, magnitude and dynamics of climate change, supporting identification of the future climate impacts and vulnerabilities and implementation of readily available adaptation options, and strengthening cities’ cooperation within climate-related networks.

scholarly journals Climate Change and Dairy in New York and Wisconsin: Risk Perceptions, Vulnerability, and Adaptation among Farmers and Advisors

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (13) ◽  
pp. 3599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lane ◽  
Murdock ◽  
Genskow ◽  
Betz ◽  
Chatrchyan
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
New York ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Climate Change Impacts ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Critical Issues ◽  
Using Data

Climate change impacts on agriculture have been intensifying in the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. Few empirical studies have considered how dairy farmers and/or their advisors are interpreting and responding to climate impacts, risks, and opportunities in these regions. This study investigates dairy farmer and advisor views and decisions related to climate change using data from seven farmer and advisor focus groups conducted in New York and Wisconsin. The study examined how farmers and advisors perceived climate impacts on dairy farms, the practices they are adopting, and how perceived risks and vulnerability affect farmers’ decision making related to adaptation strategies. Although dairy farmers articulated concern regarding climate impacts, other business pressures, such as profitability, market conditions, government regulations, and labor availability were often more critical issues that affected their decision making. Personal experience with extreme weather and seasonal changes affected decision making. The findings from this study provide improved understanding of farmers’ needs and priorities, which can help guide land-grant researchers, Extension, and policymakers in their efforts to develop and coordinate a comprehensive strategy to address climate change impacts on dairy in the Northeast and the Midwest US.

scholarly journals Comparing the effects of climate change labelling on reactions of the Taiwanese public

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Li-San Hung ◽  
Mucahid Mustafa Bayrak
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
General Public ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Climate Change Risk ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Behavioural Intentions ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Media ◽  
Change Beliefs ◽  
Climate Crisis

AbstractScientists and the media are increasingly using the terms ‘climate emergency’ or ‘climate crisis’ to urge timely responses from the public and private sectors to combat the irreversible consequences of climate change. However, whether the latest trend in climate change labelling can result in stronger climate change risk perceptions in the public is unclear. Here we used survey data collected from 1,892 individuals across Taiwan in 2019 to compare the public’s reaction to a series of questions regarding climate change beliefs, communication, and behavioural intentions under two labels: ‘climate change’ and ‘climate crisis.’ The respondents had very similar responses to the questions using the two labels. However, we observed labelling effects for specific subgroups, with some questions using the climate crisis label actually leading to backlash effects compared with the response when using the climate change label. Our results suggest that even though the two labels provoke similar reactions from the general public, on a subgroup level, some backlash effects may become apparent. For this reason, the label ‘climate crisis’ should be strategically chosen.

scholarly journals Global cotton production under climate change – Implications for yield and water consumption

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonne Jans ◽  
Werner von Bloh ◽  
Sibyll Schaphoff ◽  
Christoph Müller
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Water Consumption ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
The Other ◽  
Aral Sea ◽  
Future Climate Change ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

Abstract. Being an extensively produced natural fiber on earth, cotton is of importance for economies. Although the plant is broadly adapted to varying environments, growth and irrigation water demand of cotton may be challenged by future climate change. To study the impacts of climate change on cotton productivity in different regions across the world and the irrigation water requirements related to it, we use the process-based, spatially detailed biosphere and hydrology model LPJmL. We find our modelled cotton yield levels in good agreement with reported values and simulated water consumption of cotton production similar to published estimates. Following the ISIMIP protocol, we employ an ensemble of five General Circulation Models under four Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) for the 2011–2099 period to simulate future cotton yields. We find that irrigated cotton production does not suffer from climate change if CO2 effects are considered, whereas rainfed production is more sensitive to varying climate conditions. Considering the overall effect of a changing climate and CO2 fertilization, cotton production on current cropland steadily increases for most of the RCPs. Starting from ~ 65 million tonnes in 2010, cotton production for RCP4.5 and RCP6.0 equates to 83 and 92 million tonnes at the end of the century, respectively. Under RCP8.5, simulated global cotton production raises by more than 50 % by 2099. Taking only climate change into account, projected cotton production considerably shrinks in most scenarios, by up to one-third or 43 million tonnes under RCP8.5. The simulation of future virtual water content (VWC) of cotton grown under elevated CO2 results for all scenarios in less VWC compared to ambient CO2 conditions. Under RCP6.0 and RCP8.5, VWC is notably decreased by more than 2000 m3 t−1 in areas where cotton is produced under purely rainfed conditions. By 2040, the average global VWC for cotton declines in all scenarios from currently 3300 to 3000 m3 t−1 and reduction continues by up to 30 % in 2100 under RCP8.5. While the VWC decreases by the CO2 effect, elevated temperature (and thus water stress) reverse the picture. Except for RCP2.6, the global VWC of cotton increase slightly but steadily under the other RCPs until mid century. RCP8.5 results in an average global VWC of more than 5000 m3 t−1 by end of the simulation period. Given the economic relevance of cotton production, climate change poses an additional stress and deserves special attention. Changes in VWC and water demands for cotton production are of special importance, as cotton production is known for its intense water consumption that led, e.g., to the loss of most of the Aral sea. The implications of climate impacts on cotton production on the one hand, and the impact of cotton production on water resources on the other hand illustrate the need to assess how future climate change may affect cotton production and its resource requirements. The inclusion of cotton in LPJmL allows for various large-scale studies to assess impacts of climate change on hydrological factors and the implications for agricultural production and carbon sequestration.

scholarly journals Mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation

2019 ◽  
pp. 519-536
Author(s):  
K.S. Kavi Kumar ◽  
Brinda Viswanathan
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
The State ◽  
State Governments ◽  
State Action ◽  
Climate Risks ◽  
Agriculture Sector ◽  
The Status ◽  
And Migration

This chapter provides an overview of issues surrounding the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation in the agriculture sector with focus on India. The status of adaptation research focusing on triggers of adaptation and adaptation strategies, such as innovation, adoption of technologies, risk management, and migration, are discussed. The chapter then deliberates on approaches for mainstreaming climate change adaptation policies, namely, climate-proofing, climate-first, and development-first. The wide-ranging budgetary requirements made by the State Action Plans on Climate Change for the agricultural sector highlight the need for a coherent approach for assessing adaptation budgets, along with the establishment of climate and disaster cells in the line departments of the state governments to integrate the climate risks with the developmental plans.

scholarly journals Fine-Tuning Climate Resilience in Marine Socio-Ecological Systems: The Need for Accurate Space-Time Representativeness to Identify Relevant Consequences and Responses

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romeo Saldívar-Lucio ◽  
Armando Trasviña-Castro ◽  
Narriman Jiddawi ◽  
Ratana Chuenpagdee ◽  
Lars Lindström ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Psychological Distance ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
Fine Tuning ◽  
Climate Risks ◽  
Climate Resilience ◽  
Perceive Risk

Climate change triggers a wide mosaic of regional and local responses, often different to the large-scale variability in magnitude and direction. Because of the psychological connections (cognitive and emotional) with the frequency, intensity and age of a climatic event, people may have the capacity to recognize key variations at lower scales, especially those from which they perceive risk. Yet, the anticipatory actions and social engagement to respond or adapt to climate change are difficult to achieve, mostly when there exists a long psychological distance to climatic phenomena. Research about climate change communication provides clues about the relevance of place-based discussion to gauge risk perception and improve response protocols, their design and prioritization. It argues that strategies and actions required to face climate risks may widely differ depending on the scale and accuracy of the local representations displayed during discussions of climate impacts. This work examines how local attributes (from climate to social) operate and control place-specific risks and priorities, by comparing coastal communities in two locations, Cabo Pulmo, Mexico and Zanzibar, Tanzania, which are subject to different climate dynamics. This paper discusses the need to identify relevant climate risks/responses at the local level and how psycho-social factors (e.g., psychological distance, collective memory, and social engagement) may operate positively for building climate resilience. We also illustrate a workflow to increase and enhance collaboration between researchers and local people by promoting dialogue, participation and narratives that rigorously consider the local knowledge.

scholarly journals Perceptions of climate change risk to forest ecosystems and forest-based communities

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (5) ◽  
pp. 710-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
T B Williamson ◽  
J R Parkins ◽  
B L McFarlane
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Climate Impacts ◽  
Research Network ◽  
Forest Sector ◽  
Climate Change Risk ◽  
Key Words Climate Change ◽  
Monitoring Effort ◽  
High Level

Perception of risk or subjective risk is playing an increasingly important role in risk assessment. This paper describes a study that investigated perceptions of climate change risk to forest ecosystems and forest-based communities among a sample of Canadian forestry experts. Data were collected by questionnaire from participants at a climate change and forestry workshop, sponsored by the Canadian Climate Impacts and Adaptation Research Network Forest Sector and the McGregor Model Forest held in Prince George, British Columbia in February 2003. These forestry experts were somewhat concerned about the impacts of climate change, and they appeared unlikely to oppose strategies for preparing for and adapting to climate change. The respondents felt that the effects of climate change on forests and forest-based communities are not well understood by the general public or forest managers. They also felt that there is a relatively high level of uncertainty about the effects of climate change, especially with respect to forest-based communities. These results have important implications, including reinforcement of the need for greater awareness of climate change risks and for increased research and monitoring effort targeted at reducing levels of uncertainty about future impacts at local scales. Key words: climate change, risk perceptions, forest ecosystems, forest-based communities

scholarly journals The double challenge of adapting to climate change while accelerating development in sub-Saharan Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-685 ◽  
Author(s):  
RASHID HASSAN
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Future Climate ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Climate Risks ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Current Knowledge Base

ABSTRACTAccelerating economic growth and social development is necessary to reduce the vulnerability and enhance the adaptive capacity of sub-Saharan Africa to cope with the consequences of predicted unfavorable future climate. This requires major investments and policy reforms to induce a needed radical transformation of the way development is currently pursued to a more climate-sensitive path of low carbon growth. Key gaps in the current knowledge base that call for major investments and urgent attention include the ability to forecast more robust local future climate and to account for the uncertainties associated with climate risks for ecosystems' functions and probable nonconvexities in future impacts to project more plausible scenarios for future development in sub-Saharan Africa and provide better information on the costs and benefits of potential actions to avert the negative consequences of climate change.

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