Collective action problems and governance barriers to sea-level rise adaptation in San Francisco Bay

Abstract This paper translates Ostrom’s “diagnostic approach” for social-ecological systems to identify the collective action problems and core governance barriers sea-level rise adaptation in San Francisco Bay Area. The diagnostic approach considers variables related resource system, units, users, system. Coupled ecological-infrastructure models two problems: vulnerability interdependency interdependency. Qualitative social science case study methods key structural behavioral cooperation ongoing activities address them. is potentially applicable any coastal regions that are vulnerable also other climate issues where interdependencies require overcoming challenges action.