Coastal ties, identity, and climate change adaptation preferences

This study investigates public preferences for implementing Climate Change (CC) adaptation measures along the Galician coast, with a focus on key cultural and provisioning Ecosystem Services (ES). The environmental threats considered include impacts on seawater quality, jellyfish presence on beaches, and overall impacts on marine ecosystem productivity. This study explores differences in preferences between individuals living in coastal versus inland areas. Data were collected through an online survey, featuring a Discrete Choice Experiment (DCE) and additional CC-related perception scales. Findings indicate that a higher sense of local identity and identification with the coast leads to a greater willingness to support environmental initiatives, suggesting that a sense of identity may influence pro-environmental attitudes.