Subjective realities of climate change - Perceived climate-related impacts across social groups in urban areas and the quantitative deduction of socially sensible adaptation strategies

• Applicant: Dr. Diana Reckien
• Subject Area: Empirical Social Research
• Term: from 2011 to 2014
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 205691989

The proposed research addresses a number of currently important research needs in the applied climate sciences: the social differences of climate-related impacts, the quantification of impacts, and the quantification and comparison of selected adaptation strategies that target particular social groups. The investigator will conduct an in-depth analysis across the New York City area. The research is embedded in the vulnerability concept and based on a network analytical approach. Impact networks are generated with Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping, incorporating stakeholders perception to climate-related impacts, such as heat waves, storms, a.o. Network statistics and scenario analysis allow comparing the impacts on different socio-economic groups and quantifying the effectiveness of adaptation actions and policies. The proposed research capitalizes on recent research in Indian cities. The method was successfully tested and will be advanced and adjusted for other socio-economic environments. The proposed research will provide a new structured method for social impact studies, progress the understanding of social differences of climate-related impacts in urban areas, built-up and complement an impact library, and deliver quantified results to impacts and adaptation options for the City of New York.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: USA
• Host: Professor Dr. David Krantz