Navigating loss and value trade-offs in a changing climate

Climate change puts at risk what people value in their everyday lives, with evidence of harm and suffering already taking place across all regions the world. As societies slowly come to grips possibility not being able save everything that is valued, there an urgent need identify most important for individuals groups, prioritise action prevent or minimise intolerable losses. Yet, people’s priorities vary greatly; individual choices are contingent on hold dear places they inhabit, which turn shaped by positioning society experiences loss. In this article, we draw recent epistemological ontological engagements climate adaptation loss from social sciences examine how consider options protect face climatic impacts. Drawing 80+ interviews residents along urban–rural transect Western Australia, first demonstrate complex dynamic nature decision-making ‘worlds’. We do using innovative methodology allows participants visualise trade-offs, present future. then similarities differences between these worlds show where converge diverge. argue attention intersecting, conflicting, potentially uncomfortable processes prioritisation, losses omissions (re)produce, provide crucial entry points negotiate navigate risks within communities ways inclusive, fair, sustainable.