Nobuo Shirai

Individual behaviors of citizens are important for implementing the necessary measures for adapting to climate change. However, studies on the adaptive behaviors of ordinary citizens are limited. Therefore, in this study, we developed behavioral models to understand individual behaviors for adaption to and mitigation of climate change. We compared four behavior groups, namely, G1, individual mitigation; G2, individual adaptive; G3, long-term adaptive; and G4, solar-energy system installation behaviors. Following a questionnaire survey for the four behavioral groups, behavioral models were developed using structural equation modeling, which considered psychological factors along with selected attitudes, perceived effectiveness, norms, benefits, practicality, and intention. Furthermore, we considered the recognition and attribution of local climate change as key factors for adaptation behaviors toward local climate change. The behaviors of citizens in four prefectures in Japan, namely, Nagano, Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa were considered. Among them, Nagano Prefecture, wherein the implementation of adaptation measures was at a low level while that of mitigation measures was at a high level, showed a differing trend. In the behavioral models, the recognition of local climate change directly affected the behavior of citizens in the individual adaptive behavior group. In both the individual adaptive and long-term adaptive behavior groups, the impact of benefits was substantial, with significant differences across local areas. Thus, effective adaptation strategies might involve tangible and familiar examples demonstrating the consequences of behavior, thus enhancing citizens' behavior evaluation perception and fostering its acceptance as a desirable behavior. Tailoring adaptation strategies to specific local contexts might also be necessity. To encourage citizens to adapt to climate change and its impacts, we propose two-way efforts, instead of providing one-way information, by supporting citizens to think about self-help and mutual help effectively. Our study can serve as a reference for future studies focusing on citizen behavior about climate change mitigation and enhance their adaptation for locally implemented strategies.

A social science approach is needed in addition to a natural science approach when assessing the impact of climate change on a region and examining adaptation measures. A social science approach is needed in addition to a natural science approach for four reasons: (1) an overall elucidation of the impact including socioeconomic aspects, (2) an impact assessment from the perspective of the vulnerable, (3) an examination of structural adaptation measures, (4) to complement and strengthen the participation and learning of residents and businesses. To show the effectiveness of a social science approach, this paper summarizes research findings using the social science approach, and reports on two studies. One is action research on adaptation measures for Ichida persimmon in Takamori Town, Nagano Prefecture. The other is a study on the impact of climate change on the fishing industry in the Hinase district of Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture. These two studies include interviews and questionnaire surveys of climate change-affected producers to clarify the climate change impact structure that reflects the special circumstances of the region. In addition, the studies suggest the possibility of regional adaptation measures to be taken to improve the management structure of producers.

<p>In this research, awareness questionnaire surveys of residents in Iida City and Konan City were conducted to analyze the expectations and evaluations of the situation regarding the structural regeneration of regional communities through renewable energy, and to clarify the situation and intention regarding the choices of participation in renewable energy.The survey findings were as follows. </p><p>(1) The expectations regarding structural regeneration of regional communities through renewable energy among residents in both cities were higher than the national average. In the evaluations of the situation, although the evaluations of participation by the stakeholders were comparatively high, the evaluations of others were not so high.</p><p>(2) The intention to support renewable energy was high in both cities; however, the intention to participate in renewable energy was not high. Although the installations of photovoltaic power generation systems and low-energy houses were active, civic investment and purchase of renewable energy, as well as participation in the planning process and civic activities, were not so high.The results showed there was still room for improvement in both cities and that the local governments in the two cities should encourage participation by residents in renewable energy.</p>