Preferences for sea level rise adaptation: A contingent valuation study in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

Sea level rise has the potential to have severe impacts on the coastal states of Brazil. In particular, the state of Rio de Janeiro has the highest percentage of exposed population. In this study, we employ a contingent valuation method to explore residents' willingness to pay for sea level rise mitigation policies in Rio de Janeiro. Given the high level of perceived corruption in the state, we also examine whether residents would prefer mitigation efforts be managed by the state government or a more diversified coalition of community stakeholders. Our findings indicate that residents are not willing to pay additional property taxes to fund sea level rise mitigation policies, unless policymakers are transparent with the use of these funds.