The potential use pattern of second homes in response to climate change: The role of place attachment

The aim of this study is to predict potential future use patterns of second homes in Norway in response to changing climate. Second home use in Norway is strongly motivated by a focus on outdoor recreational activities. How users will respond to the consequences of warmer climate is therefore important for future spatial planning. The routinized character of second home use stimulates forms of positive emotional or functional connections to the place, termed attachment to place. Thus, place attachment illuminates the degree of interest in a particular place, and its application is suitable to interpret resilience levels of patterns of use in spite of climate change. The study is based on 18 qualitative interviews, where 11 have been conducted in three selected case study areas in mountain and coastal areas. The climate scenarios made for the study are used for reference during the interviews. Our preliminary findings indicate that climate change may influence use via three archetypical and overlapping pathways, where the second home is a place where users have developed 1) strong attachment to the natural characteristics of the surroundings, 2) functional connection where the place satisfies personal needs to perform sporty outdoor activities and 3) strong emotional attachment that stems from memories and family gathering. All include different kinds and degrees of place attachment and thus sensitivity to the changed climate. Strong place attachment involves resilience in regularity of visits. Therefore, users are likely to be flexible in choice of outdoor recreational activities that are weather dependent.