Solastalgia, place attachment and disruption: insights from a coastal community on the front line

Abstract We explore how solastalgia, a concept that describes distress and inability to derive solace from one’s environment caused by disruptive environmental change, is currently being experienced community in southeast Ireland as they struggle cope with place disruption through loss of beach coastal erosion. analyse relationships between empirical measurements attachment well their association outlook for the future. Results indicate resulting place, almost half residents, especially those who have lived area >20 years. Seasonal variation exists residents experience highest levels expression strongest summer. find solastalgia positively correlated attachment; having higher express stronger feelings impacts lives due place. Place most weakly expressed dependence, suggesting ongoing adaptation negative statements regarding future outlook. However, outlooks are moderated high attachment, despite experiencing solastalgia. Given vulnerability environments communities climate understanding assessing will be critical helping navigate disruption.