Social perspectives on climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and artificial snow production: A Swiss case study using Q methodology. Issue 104 (February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moser, Deyshawn J.; Baulcomb, Corinne
• Is Part Of: Environmental science & policy. Issue 104(2020)
• Page Start: 98
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2020-02
• Subjects: Climate change -- Q methodology -- Switzerland -- Artificial snow -- Mountain tourism -- Sustainability; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Politique gouvernementale -- Périodiques; Sciences de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Environmental policy; Environmental sciences; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.70561
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2019.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-9011

Abstract

Highlights: Three distinct groups are identified amongst diverse cross-sector stakeholders based on their specific social perspectives. Q methodology revealed broad value consensus even among divergent stakeholders. Consensus finding is hindered by polarized stakeholder views on tourism development. Relying solely on snowmaking as a climate change adaptation strategy is unsustainable. Nuances in stakeholder attitudes and value systems may undermine climate change adaptation if not fully recognized. Abstract: Climate change has reduced the snow cover in the Swiss Alps, negatively impacting the winter tourist sector. The adaptation of artificial or technical snow, as a solution to combat a decline in tourism, is pervasive, yet controversial. This paper uses Q methodology to analyse the perspectives of stakeholders in relation to artificial snow production with regard to the three pillars of sustainable development. While all stakeholders agreed that there are ecological constraints to socioeconomic development, three distinct perspectives were identified. Perspective 1 prioritizes the environment, not accepting ecological compromises for socioeconomic development. Perspective 2 is more willing to accept trade-offs, focusing on economic diversification and long-term strategies. Perspective 3 focuses on the economy, with a preference for the status quo. The ecological awareness of all stakeholders provides a promising basis for sustainable development. However, the diverse views on priority setting present nontrivial obstacles towards devising future strategies for sustainable development.