Should we stay or should we go? Understanding household decision making in climate change-affected areas of Indonesia

This briefing examines the needs of low-income residents of Indonesian areas that are vulnerable to climate change. Specifically, it explores why residents decide to stay or leave in the face of climate risks, including elevated temperatures and sea levels. Surveys in four coastal villages found that these decisions depend on, among other factors, the presence of financial, social and other types of assets; the built environment; and public services. Income and livelihood factors are especially important in low-income communities, and households may also choose to remain in at-risk areas if they downplay the degree of the risk. Most prefer to stay.

These findings give rise to several recommendations:

·         Increase at-risk communities’ awareness of climate risks.

·         Promote local risk assessments conducted by communities, with financial and technical support from governments.

·         If relocation is necessary, find land that enables the preservation of existing social networks, jobs and employment resources.

Available at http://pubs.iied.org/10735IIED.html

Further reading:

Anggraeni, Mustika, Ismu Rini Dwi Ari and Endratno Budi Santosa (2015), “Climate change, floods and homes: understanding location preferences in Indonesia”, Asian Cities Climate Resilience Working Paper 17, International Institute for Environment and Development, London, 57 pages, available at http://pubs.iied.org/10730IIED.html?c=urban.

Satterthwaite, David (2011), “Editorial: Why is community action needed for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation?”, Environment and Urbanization Vol 23, No 2, pages 339–349, available at http://eau.sagepub.com/content/23/2/339.refs.

Sofaniadi, Safrinal, Rusmadi and Aniessa Delima Sari (2015), “Protect, adapt or relocate? Responding to climate change in coastal Indonesia”, Asian Cities Climate Resilience Working Paper 14, International Institute for Environment and Development, London, 57 pages, available at http://pubs.iied.org/10723IIED.html.