Studying adaptation to climate change with an interdisciplinary approach.

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Studying adaptation to climate change with an interdisciplinary approach. Evidence of territorial inertia on the French Mediterranean coastAlexandra Schleyer-Lindenmann & Samuel RobertCoastal cities need to adapt to undisputed consequences of climate change such as sea-level rise. But risk perception is also a social construction which must be considered in adaptation policies. Our study is based on a strong interdisciplinary approach elaborated between geography and psychology, starting with the concepts of "territory" and "social representation". This approach enables to conceive risk perception as integrated in a wider set of issues concerning the territory.Semi-structured interviews with a stratified sample of municipal level authorities (elected officials and technical agents) were conducted in 29 coastal cities in the south of France. The interview guide covered four topics: general vision of the territory and its coastal zone, perception of climate change, coastal management and development policy, and future vision of the coastline. The recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed quantitatively as well as qualitatively in a comparative thematic analysis.Results show that social representations are centred around beaches and urban development. The major risk raised is beach erosion. The future management of the coastal area is conceived in a continuity between past and present and creative adaptation proposals are rare. The possibilities of structural adaptation are largely ignored. The discourse reflects a strong territorial inertia, where the territory's past engagements and identity are projected into the future. A notable development could origin in the younger generation of municipal authorities.At present French mediterranean coastal municipalities lean more towards resistance than towards adaptation regarding climate change. To accompany a paradigm shift, policy makers need to strengthen efforts to raise awareness of climate change on the coast and value actions which are already taken. Apprehending and considering local urban identity is an important leverage.The contribution is important in its resolute interdisciplinary, even transdisciplinary approach, opening the possibility of comparisons through a replicable methodology.

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