Multidimensional climate hazard perceptions and adaptation in rural Nevada's Humboldt River Basin

Abstract

Climate adaptation decisions are often made locally, yet evidence remains limited on how rural residents in inland, natural-resource-dependent regions perceive and respond to multiple climate hazards. This study examines multidimensional perceptions of drought, heat, and wildfire and their association with self-reported adaptation among residents of Nevada's Humboldt River Basin. Using an in-person survey of adults across the Upper, Middle, and Lower sub-basins, we measure perceived changes in hazard magnitude, frequency, timing, and duration; classify adaptation responses into ordered categories; and estimate survey-weighted descriptive models and generalized ordered logit models. Results show that residents generally perceive worsening conditions across all three hazards, particularly greater drought and wildfire magnitude and increased hazard frequency. Perceptions vary spatially, with Lower Basin residents reporting stronger perceived worsening than Middle and Upper Basin residents. Adaptation responses are practical and hazard-specific: wildfire responses emphasize property protection, heat responses emphasize cooling and energy efficiency, and drought responses emphasize water and vegetation management strategies. Generalized ordered logit estimates show that higher perceived climate risk, greater hazard salience, and stronger institutional trust are associated with more intensive adaptation. The findings suggest that locally grounded climate information, trusted institutions, and hazard-specific outreach can support adaptation planning in rural river basins, whereas persistent non-adaptation may reflect capacity constraints that information alone cannot overcome.