Climate Change Adaptation: A Pilot Study on Drought Impacts, Perceptions, and Behavior (Category B)

PI: George Hornberger, Distinguished Professor

Department/School: Vanderbilt Institute of Energy and Environment (VIEE), Civil & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering

Partners: National Building Research Organization (NBRO), Sri Lanka and University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

 

Description: VU, NBRO and UM continue to build upon the research collaboration previously established between the partner institutions with funding from a VIO Category A grant. This project established a pilot study to develop, refine, and test an interview methodology that is applicable in the Sri Lankan context for measuring beliefs, behaviors, and opportunities and barriers for adaption to climate change of farmers and residents within the Mahaweli Watershed in Sri Lanka. This pilot project plans to set the stage for a broader interdisciplinary project designed to evaluate watershed-scale climate impacts, water-energy nexus, and adaptation behavior. The results are expected to assist NBRO and its partner organizations such as the Disaster Management Center, Mahaweli Authority, and others to develop strategies to plan for climate change-related adaptation in human settlements.

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