Self and Place Constructs in Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments: Gaps and Recommendations

In the United States, climate change vulnerability assessments are usually conceived as objectified exercises, based on theoretical orientations such rational choice or systems theory. They adopt sectorial population-level frames of reference and operationalized by means aggregating mathematical models, geospatial analytical platforms, advanced visualization tools. While intended to inform decision making, they often lack process-based mechanisms that enable them be framed in terms localized knowledge perspectives. This is a weakness because occupant attitudes regarding places can spark unyieldingly negative reactions expert-generated, objectivist assessment processes their outputs. this paper, I attempt demonstrate salience self place constructs explore implications tendency block serious reflection about nature potential vulnerabilities risk management interventions. If acknowledged addressed manner empathetic context sensitive, it may possible channel these perspectives elevate deepen dialog help identify compile circumstantially appropriate menus adaptation policy