Sebastián Tapia-Lewin
Bren PhD student
Office: currently abroad
Email: stapia@bren.ucsb.edu
GS: Google Scholar
RG: ResearchGate
Through his PhD work at Bren, Sebastián aims to generate a better understanding of the human dimensions of climate change adaptation in coastal systems. To date, the study of these human dimensions has focused on the idea of adaptive capacity, which addresses the ability of individuals and societies to cope with and respond to change. However, these studies have been mainly theoretical, descriptive, or based on case studies. For his dissertation, Sebastián is exploring the human dimensions of climate change adaptation using a national-wide interview campaign coupled with agent-based modeling. First, he is assessing potential relationships between adaptive capacity indicators and actual adaptations of small-scale fishers. He will then address the overall effect these responses have on the ecosystems on which fishers depend. Sebastián hopes his research will inform and shape the evolution of existing institutions so they can integrate resilience-based management for small-scale fisheries in the light of a changing environment.