“You talk of threat, but we think of comfort”: the role of place attachment in small remote communities in Iceland that experience avalanche threat

Abstract

According to the Icelandic Meteorological Office, climate change may increase the likelihood, intensity, and frequency of some natural hazards in the country, such as avalanches. It is therefore essential to increase preparedness for climate change–related effects. Until recently, social and community aspects of climate change–related hazards have not received much attention in Iceland. The aim of this study was to explore the role of place attachment in small remote communities in Iceland and how residents experience the threat of avalanches. Through a narrative approach, we conducted interviews with residents and focus groups in two communities in the Westfjords. Our findings suggest that both communities show a high level of place attachment, in particular with regard to the natural and social dimension. A positive impact of place attachment translates into willingness for volunteering and local engagement, which can increase preparedness and enhance capacity building. While we found negative tendencies of place attachment in both places, for example in that residents do not consider their communities vulnerable despite the risk, they seem to be less prominent than the positive aspects. Residents exhibit traditional local knowledge, but there is a need to better integrate newcomers and foreigners in the communities into emergency planning.