BC3-UPV/EHU Seminars: Coping with and Adapting to Global Change. Challenge for Society, Households and Individuals

BC3-UPV/EHU Seminars
“Coping with and Adapting to Global Change.  Challenge for Society, Households and Individuals “

Barbora Duzi- PhD Student,

Global Change Research Centre The Academy  of Sciences of the Czech Republic

Abstract

We investigated household adaptation strategies in the region frequently affected by climate extremes. We focused on impacts of extreme hydrological and meteorological events occurred since 1997 to 2012 at selected municipalities in the Morava river basin. The main research questions are: What is the state of adaptation measurements in households to climate extremes in the researched area? What are the population consequences to climate extremes for the last 15 years? Target area is located in selected parts of Morava river basin in the east part of the Czech Republic which is affected by annual floods or flash-floods, heavy rainfalls events and occasionally by mudslides. We apply mixed qualitative and quantitative research methods and case (pilot) study approach. We conducted in-depths interviews with relevant stakeholders, and the face-to face questionnaires with household residents in no, low and no risk area in relation to flood occurrence. The population of interest was stratified by the level of the past exposure to floods (two or more times, one time, no exposure) in particular municipalities. Within each stratum a fixed quota of interviews is allocated. We recognized set of household-level coping and adaptation strategies such as terraces and elevated ground floor constructions, a complex hydro-isolation arrangements of the houses, any weather and landslides risks related insurance purchase, and resettlement and new building construction in no-risk area. Further we identified the consequences between the labour commuting and climate extremes.

Key words: climate extremes impacts, population, adaptation, the Czech Republic