Authors: Kai Bellmann (presenting authors), Lisa Scholten, Gerdien de Vries (Delft University of Technology)
Abstract
Urban areas face an increasing urgency to adapt to climate change, yet adaptation efforts remain insufficient. Addressing this adaptation gap requires an understanding of the psychological mechanisms and contextual influences shaping climate adaptation behaviour. Whereas behavioural scientists have explored citizens’ climate adaptation behaviours, the decision-making of policymakers is often overlooked despite its importance in closing the adaptation gap.
To address this, we conducted a behavioural systems analysis to uncover behavioural dynamics that shape policymakers’ decision-making, based on 32 semi-structured interviews and a workshop with Dutch urban climate adaptation policymakers. Combing thematic and content analysis with behavioural system mapping, our results highlight the importance of an integrated, dynamic system approach to understand psychological and contextual influences on policymakers’ decision-making. We identified nine central themes reflecting key behavioural dynamics. Furthermore, analysis of behavioural influences using the Theoretical Domains Framework identified policymakers’ beliefs about consequences, environmental context and resources, and goals as most influential determinants of behaviour. Behavioural system mapping revealed three impactful levers for behavioural interventions to improve decision-making in urban climate adaptation.
By integrating behavioural insights and systems analysis, this work proposes a novel approach to analyse contextual, dynamic influences and determinants of behaviour that shape adaptation policymaking. Therefore, it aligns with recent calls from behavioural scientists highlighting the need for systemic approaches in behavioural science.
Why should you join?
- Discover how behavioural system mapping can be utilised to understand behavioural dynamics, integrating behavioural science and systems analysis.
- Learn about the factors and dynamics that shape policymakers‘ decision-making in urban climate adaptation.
June 12th, 2025
12 PM to 12.40 PM (UK, London)
1 PM; to 1.40 PM (CET, Berlin)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89143663283?pwd=kxdJrqXHfZ0O2nJVPL7TgfCBfuJtRq.1
Meeting-ID: 891 4366 3283
Kenncode: 1
Comment: In case of technical problems, please visit https://www.euro-online.org/websites/bor/behavioral-operation-research-brown-bag-seminar-series/ before the start of the meeting.