Climate-induced migration: using mental models to explore aggregate and individual decision-making. Issue 8 (3rd August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Whitley, Cameron Thomas; Rivers III, Louie; Mattes, Seven; Marquart-Pyatt, Sandra T.; Ligmann-Zielinska, Arika; Olabisi, Laura Schmitt; Du, Jing
• Is Part Of: Journal of risk research. Volume 21:Issue 8(2018)
• Page Start: 1019
• Page End: 1035
• Publication Date: 2018-08-03
• Subjects: climate change -- climate migration -- drought -- dust bowl -- mental models; Technology -- Risk assessment -- Periodicals; Risk management -- Periodicals; Risk assessment -- Periodicals; 658.155
• DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2017.1281331
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-9877

Abstract

Abstract : The US Dust Bowl of the 1930s (a prolong period of drought experienced in the United States accompanied by severe sand storms) is often described as an abnormal event. However, climate change is likely to increase the frequency and impact of similar occurrences. Because of this, a growing number of scholars have begun to examine multiple facets of climate-induced migration from various disciplinary traditions. Specifically, scholars have called for continued research into individual decision-making processes. Responding to this call, we construct a mental model from historical interviews of those who migrated to California during the US Dust Bowl. Our model provides insight into the migration process with a unique focus on individual decision-making processes of migrants.