Group III: Workshop element – defining adaptation
Four roles
- Reader of the first definition
- Reader of the second definition
- Reader of cascade impacts text
- Scribe – please feel free to record any thoughts, comments in relation to defining adaptation not just particular notes relating to these definitions.
When considering the different definitions keep in mind the following dimensions:
a) Severe weather events,
b) Slow onset events such as increasing food insecurity relating to climate induced food inflation,
c) Cascade impacts:
‘The impacts of increases in temperature, rainfall, sea levels and extreme events will cascade across all sectors of society. Our assets, communities and social and economic interactions will all be affected. As the effects of these changes become more frequent through flooding, coastal inundation and drought, we’ll have less time to recover and there will be cumulative consequences. In addition, as different sectors respond to the changes, there is potential for impacts to compound through the economy.’
Deep South Challenge – New Zealand: https://deepsouthchallenge.co.nz/research-project/climate-change-cascade-effect/
1. Deep Adaptation
Deep Adaptation presumes that extreme weather events and other effects of climate change will increasingly disrupt food, water, shelter, power, and social and governmental systems. These disruptions would likely or inevitably cause uneven societal collapse in the next few decades. The word “deep” indicates that strong measures are required to adapt to an unraveling of industrial lifestyles, following prior usages such as deep ecology. The agenda includes values of nonviolence, compassion, curiosity and respect, with a framework for constructive action.
- Resilience: what do we most value that we want to keep, and how?
- Relinquishment: what do we need to let go of so as not to make matters worse?
- Restoration: what could we bring back to help us with these difficult times?
- Reconciliation: with what and whom shall we make peace as we awaken to our mutual mortality?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_Adaptation
2. UNFCCC The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
Adaptation refers to adjustments in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli and their effects. It refers to changes in processes, practices and structures to moderate potential damages or to benefit from opportunities associated with climate change. In simple terms, countries and communities need to develop adaptation solutions and implement actions to respond to current and future climate change impacts.
Adaptation actions can take on many forms, depending on the unique context of a community, business, organization, country or region. There is no ‘one-size-fits-all-solution’—adaptation can range from building flood defences, setting up early warning systems for cyclones, switching to drought-resistant crops, to redesigning communication systems, business operations and government policies. Many nations and communities are already taking steps to build resilient societies and economies. However, greater action and ambition will be needed to cost-effectively manage the risks, both now and in the future.
Summary
- Adaptation refers to a wide range of measures to reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts, from planting crop varieties that are more resistant to drought to enhancing climate information and early warning systems to building stronger defences against floods.
- As the impacts of climate change accelerate — including more extreme weather and sea level rise — it is increasingly urgent that countries and communities adapt.
- Adaptation faces challenges including inadequate finance, knowledge gaps, and institutional constraints, particularly in developing countries.
- International agreements such as the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Global Stocktake are key to driving progress. So too are comprehensive National Adaptation Plans.
- Despite constraints, developing countries are among those leading the way on adaptation.
Cadence Roundtable 