Residents' attitude towards possible adaptation measures to the sea coast erosion in Latvia

Abstract

Purpose In addition to climate changes, human activities in the sea coast area are also important in the context of coastal erosion. There is a need to consider possible measures of adaptation at a national level to solve this issue. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the findings of the interviews made by the author and come to conclusions about residents' attitude towards possible measures of adaptation to the coastal erosion in Latvia. Design/methodology/approach The research was made by interviewing those seashore residents whose households are most influenced by sea coast erosion along the entire coastline of Latvia in the areas where erosion rate is projected to be at least 6 m until the year of 2025. Findings Half of the interviewees consider hard coast defense structures as an effective adaptation measure to the sea coast erosion in households concerned. The other half would not support that because of either long‐term ineffectiveness or other unwilling consequences. Retreat as a strategy is acceptable only for quite a small part of interviewees. Originality/value The results of the research can be taken into consideration when making political decisions concerning adaptation to climate change.