The Political Economy of Climate Change Adaptation Policy

• In Event: Poster Session: Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy 2 & Comparative Education Reform
  In Poster Session: Poster Session 2: Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy

Abstract

Under which circumstances do local governments adopt climate adaptation measures? More specifically, what external elements motivate policymakers to implement adaptation policies? This paper focuses on understanding the dynamics underpinning the adoption of climate change adaptation policies by local governments, analyzing the interaction between human and economic costs. The study is anchored in a theoretical framework that categorizes the effects of climate disasters into first-order (human lives and infrastructure loss) and second-order (economic impacts) effects. These categories are posited as key drivers in incentivizing governmental action towards adaptation policies. The hypothesis is that increased civic engagement and FDI from environmentally progressive countries significantly shape local adaptation strategies. To test this hypothesis, the study employs a mixed-method approach: a quantitative analysis using regression on a dataset from 97 countries between 2014 and 2021, followed by a comparative case study of cities in China and the United States. Preliminary findings indicate a strong role for local governments in crafting effective climate responses across different political systems. These responses are pivotal in maintaining public trust and economic resilience. This study contributes to the understanding of global climate governance by underscoring the importance of subnational initiatives. It reveals that successful adaptation hinges not just on local actions but also on international cooperation, highlighting the complex interplay between internal pressures and global economic influences in shaping local policy landscapes.

Author

• Melisa Perut, University of California, Irvine