Webinar by Kai Bellmann: Investigating policymakers' climate adaptation decision-making through a behavioural science lens

Topic

Climate change impacts pose an unprecedented challenge, potentially overwhelming urban areas’ ability to adapt if this ability is not further developed. Despite the increasing recognition of the significance of climate change adaptation alongside mitigation, a substantial adaptation gap persists. This gap is attributed to insufficient and ineffective adaptation efforts. Given that climate change impacts often necessitate localised responses, the decision-making of urban policymakers critically influences how cities adapt. Therefore, enhancing the decision-making processes of these policymakers could be a pathway to strengthen urban areas’ adaptation efforts.

In his presentation, Kai will share insights on investigating policymakers’ climate adaptation decision-making through a behavioural science lens. He will highlight how prior research has mainly concentrated on structural barriers and citizens’ behaviour, treating policymakers’ adaptation decision-making as a black box. Finally, Kai will discuss his research approach and share initial insights into the decision context that policymakers encounter in urban climate adaptation.

About the Speaker

Kai Bellmann

Kai Bellmann has been a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management (Policy Analysis Section) at TU Delft since November 2023. He completed a bachelor’s degree in economic psychology and holds master’s degrees in political psychology from the University of Birmingham and in global governance from the Luiss School of Government and the Centre International de Formation Européenne. Kai is dedicated to applying behavioural insights to address societal issues, with a keen interest in enhancing policymakers’ decision-making in climate adaptation through a behavioural science perspective.