Climate change adaptation and migration decisions under cognitive strain in Senegal
This
study investigates the relationship between climate change, cognitive
load and adaptation to climate change in rural Senegal. Drawing on a
sample of 4,755 men aged 18-40 across
145 villages, we randomly induce cognitive load through priming on
climate and financial uncertainties, and mechanically by memorizing a
sequence of digits. The climate and financial primes each increase
climate and financial worries, but are not impairing
cognitive resources, as the mechanic load treatment does. Both primes
influence investment decisions by making low risk investments. In
addition, the financial prime increases external migration intentions,
whereas the climate prime and mechanic load increase
the likelihood to implement climate change adaptation strategies. Our
study contributes to understanding the intricate relationship between
decision-making under constraints, climate change adaptation, and
migration.
Publications
Project start:
01. April 2023
Project end:
31. December 2027
Project management:
Dr. Cara Ebert,
Bernd Beber PhD,
Sarah Frohnweiler,
Lena Detlefsen, Salar Jahedi