KIT | KIT-Bibliothek | Impressum | Datenschutz

Obstacles to the diffusion of adaptation in the Rhein-Neckar region in Germany

Schmidt, Nicole M.; Wagner, Madeleine ORCID iD icon 1
1 Institut für Geographie und Geoökologie (IFGG), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)

Abstract:

Because the impacts of climate change are felt at the local level, we assess adaptation diffusion mechanisms (i.e., learning, competition, and emulation) among smaller big cities and medium-sized towns. Since the diffusion of adaptation has immediate spatial implications, we argue that local conditions play an important role in the diffusion process. The densely populated Rhein-Neckar Metropolitan Region in Germany is an ideal case for studying diffusion mechanisms with regard to adaptation. Using a rich data set of 28 interviews, we unpack the views of local actors such as mayors, city council politicians, city administration representatives, and representatives from regional agencies and identify factors influencing the diffusion of adaptation. We find limited or compromised diffusion due to insufficient knowledge about adaptation, competition between municipalities, and cooperation with cities outside the region. In addition, we find some (albeit limited) political will for adaptation. While some of the interviewed politicians considered making long-term investments in adaptation, most highlighted competing local issues and viewed adaptation with caution, illustrating adaptation’s lack of salience and social legitimacy. ... mehr


Verlagsausgabe §
DOI: 10.5445/IR/1000159062
Veröffentlicht am 21.06.2023
Originalveröffentlichung
DOI: 10.1007/s10113-023-02062-x
Scopus
Zitationen: 2
Web of Science
Zitationen: 2
Dimensions
Zitationen: 2
Cover der Publikation
Zugehörige Institution(en) am KIT Institut für Geographie und Geoökologie (IFGG)
Publikationstyp Zeitschriftenaufsatz
Publikationsmonat/-jahr 06.2023
Sprache Englisch
Identifikator ISSN: 1436-3798, 1436-378X
KITopen-ID: 1000159062
Erschienen in Regional Environmental Change
Verlag Springer
Band 23
Heft 2
Seiten 72
Vorab online veröffentlicht am 04.05.2023
Nachgewiesen in Dimensions
Web of Science
Scopus
Globale Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung Ziel 13 – Maßnahmen zum Klimaschutz
KIT – Die Forschungsuniversität in der Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft
KITopen Landing Page