Integrating Place Attachment into Local Government Climate Change Adaptation: Barriers and Implications for Equity

Abstract: This research examines how consideration of place attachment and community values can inform the development and implementation of fair and equitable climate change adaptation (CCA) practices in the Australian local government context. The research adopts a qualitative approach, using semi-structured interviews with expert interviewees and reflective thematic analysis to answer three research questions. The study found that practitioners have a strong intent to apply community values and consider place attachment in CCA processes, but this is often done in an ad-hoc, non-systematic way and not integrated across council functions. Place attachment is understood in reference to the impact of disasters and extreme weather events that have occurred recently within the locality, while community values are more likely to be considered if they align with risk management processes, financial benefits, community expectations or if co-benefits can be identified. The study also identified six challenges that constrain the ability of practitioners to consider community values and place attachment in CCA processes. Practitioners would need to navigate the barriers and constraints to enable a fairer and more equitable CCA process. Lastly, the research suggests that place attachment could provide a tool to ensure fair and equitable CCA processes, however, it is difficult to see how this could be done effectively without structural changes to the multi-governance systems that local government exists within. The study contributes to the understanding of the role of place attachment and community values in CCA processes and offers insights into the barriers and implications for equity.