Local Government Adoption of Heatwave Prevention Ordinances: Evidence from South Korea
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52152/23.3.44-70(2025)Keywords:
heatwave, local ordinances, climate health, policy diffusion, climate change adaptationAbstract
Adapting to climate change is crucial as heatwaves, one of its extreme weather consequences, pose a growing threat to human life. As South Korea experiences more frequent and intense heatwaves, the Korean government amended the Basic Act on Disaster and Safety Management in 2018 to address this issue. This amendment mandates heatwave countermeasures from local governments during a heatwave. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of heatwave prevention ordinances by local governments, analyzing the diffusion of heatwave prevention policies using a discrete-time event history analysis. An analysis of 43 ordinances enacted between 2018 and 2021 reveals that resident health and economic factors positively influence local government ordinance adoption. The study highlights the significant influence of local economic capacity and the presence of vulnerable populations in shaping effective responses to heatwaves. By identifying these crucial factors, the research offers practical insights for future policy decisions to bolster climate adaptation at the community level.
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