Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-121
https://doi.org/10.5194/nhess-2024-121
15 Jul 2024
 | 15 Jul 2024
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal NHESS.

Unravelling the capacity-action gap in flood risk adaptation

Annika Schubert, Anne von Streit, and Matthias Garschagen

Abstract. Against the backdrop of increasing climate risks, strengthening the adaptive capacity of citizens is crucial. Yet, the usefulness of the concept of adaptive capacity is currently limited for science and policy, as it is neither clear what exactly constitutes adaptive capacity nor whether capacity translates into adaptation action. Drawing on survey data from 1,571 households in Southern Germany collected in 2022, we use regression analysis to examine the relationship between adaptive capacity indicators and the implementation of pluvial flood risk adaptation measures. Our results confirm a capacity-action gap, as high levels of adaptive capacity do not necessarily translate into household adaptation action. Widely used generic capacity indicators such as income and education are less important for adaptation decisions while specific capacity indicators, such as risk perception, damage experience and motivation, lead to action. We found initial evidence of a nonlinear effect: while a certain stock of financial and human capital is required, additional capital gains do not translate into additional adaptation action. Thus, enhancing the specific capacity of households should be a priority, as generic assets alone will not suffice to cope with climate risk.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Annika Schubert, Anne von Streit, and Matthias Garschagen

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on nhess-2024-121', Anonymous Referee #1, 29 Jul 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC1', Annika Schubert, 18 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on nhess-2024-121', Samar Momin, 31 Jul 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC2', Annika Schubert, 18 Oct 2024
Annika Schubert, Anne von Streit, and Matthias Garschagen

Model code and software

GitHub: Repository capacityactiongap, scripts Annika Schubert https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/8fygh

Interactive computing environment

GitHub: Repository capacityactiongap, Rmarkdown Annika Schubert https://doi.org/10.17605/osf.io/8fygh

Annika Schubert, Anne von Streit, and Matthias Garschagen

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Short summary
Households play a crucial role in climate adaptation efforts. Yet, households require capacities to implement measures. We explore which capacities enable German households to adapt to flooding. Our results indicate that flood-related capacities such as risk perception, responsibility appraisal and motivation are pivotal, whereas financial assets are secondary. Enhancing these specific capacities, e.g. through collaborations between households and municipalities, could promote local adaptation.
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