Project summary:
The aims of this PhD project will be to apply a novel mix of behavioural economics and qualitative/quantitative methods to explore and expand knowledge of:
1.Domain and place-based risk and perceptions of the trade-offs relating to climate, the environment and perceived impacts related to the Blue Economy (BE). For example, there are increasing set of emerging challenges, risks and hazards associated with long term climate change and more immediate issues relating to energy security in the National Energy Market. This research component will look at Australian perceptions more broadly of the risks presented by the BE.
2.Place-based risk that relate directly to Tasmania’s BE (current and emerging) offshore industries. For example, food security and environmental impacts of aquaculture and energy security (including emerging renewables, offshore oil and gas explorations and potentially how one may colour perceptions of the other). As risk and hazard becomes closer to communities, perceived risk may be different and may require analysis from a number of perspectives including gender and culture.
3.Social Licence to Operate within communities through a place-based investigation into BE industries and how culture and demographic factors, such as age and gender may/may not play a role in decision-making outcomes that influence these core business decisions. This will be compared with more diverse BE nations and their industries.
There are well established methods for analysing risks and hazards quantitatively from an engineering or economic perspective. The emergence of new opportunities in the BE requires insights into how individuals and communities perceive different risks, policies and institutional arrangements that are potentially acceptable to manage these risks. A gender perspective and overlay will provide a more holistic perspective.
