Adaptive capacity
Adaptive capacity relates to the capacity of
In the context of climate change adaptation, adaptive capacity depends on the inter-relationship of social, political, economic, technological and institutional factors operating at a variety of scales.[2] Some of these are generic, and others are exposure-specific.
Benefits
Adaptive capacity confers
Building adaptive capacity is particular important in the context of climate change, where it refers to a latent capacity - in terms of resources and assets - from which adaptations can be made as required depending on future circumstances. Since future climate is likely to be different from the present climate, developing adaptive capacity is a prerequisite for the adaptation that can reduce the potential negative effects of exposure to climate change. In climate change, adaptive capacity, along with hazard, exposure and vulnerability, is a key component that contributes to risk, or the potential for harm or impact.[4]
Characteristics
Adaptive capacity can be enhanced in a number of different ways. A report by the Overseas Development Institute introduces the local adaptive capacity framework (LAC), featuring five core characteristics of adaptive capacity.[5] These include:
- Asset base: the availability of a diverse range of key livelihood assets that allow households or communities to respond to evolving circumstances
- Institutions and entitlements: the existence of an appropriate and evolving institutional environment that allows for access and entitlement to key assets and capitals
- Knowledge and information: the ability households and communities have to generate, receive, assess and disseminate knowledge and information in support of appropriate adaptation options
- Innovation: the system creates an enabling environment to foster innovation, experimentation and the ability to explore niche solutions in order to take advantage of new opportunities
- Flexible forward-looking decision-making and governance: the system is able to anticipate, incorporate and respond to changes with regards to its governance structures and future planning.[6]
Many development interventions - such as social protection programmes and efforts to promote social safety nets - can play important roles in promoting aspects of adaptive capacity.
Relationship between adaptive capacity, states and strategies
Adaptive capacity is associated with r and K selection strategies in ecology and with a movement from explosive positive feedback to sustainable negative feedback loops in social systems and technologies.[7][8] The Resilience Alliance shows how the
In the context of climate change
Common enablers of adaptive capacity
An enabler, also known as a promoter or driver, represents a set of factors and conditions which can help to build and develop resilience.[17] In a 2001 IPCC report focusing on impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability, six factors were identified as promoters of adaptive capacity. These characteristics contribute to the development and strengthening of adaptive capacity.[18] For instance, a stable and prosperous economy is crucial, as it enables better management of the costs associated with adaptation.[18] Generally, developed and wealthier nations are more prepared to face the impacts of climate change.[19] Access to technology at various levels (local, regional, and national) and in all sectors is essential for staying informed about resource distribution, land use, and extraction practices.[18] Additionally, clearly delineating roles and responsibilities for executing adaptation strategies is important at national, regional, and local levels. Discussion forums and consultations are established to disseminate climate information, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.[18] Social institutions aim to distribute resources equitably, recognizing that power imbalances can hinder adaptive capacity.[18] It's vital to protect existing systems with high adaptive capacity, such as traditional societies, from potential compromises resulting from modern development trajectories.
Common barriers of adaptive capacity
A barrier is an obstacle surmounted through collective efforts, creative management, mindset shifts, and adjustments in resource distribution, land uses, and institutions.[20] Barriers are often confused with limits however, the distinguishing feature between the two is that limits cannot be overcome.[21] Barriers are crucial to consider when assessing the level of adaptive capacity within a group, community, and organization, as they block or hinder adaptation actions.[22] Various types of barriers including historical, political, financial, and natural can be identified. They can be either internal or external and can block or hinder the implementation of an adaptation action and consequently lower adaptive capacity.[22]An external barrier is a factor that falls outside an organization/community/individual's control. For example, a common external barrier is the absence of land available for individuals or enterprises to relocate while faced with a major climatic event such as flooding or wildfires.[23] An internal barrier is typically affected by an organization/community/individual beliefs and perceptions concerning climate change. For example, a common internal barrier is people's reluctance to relocate from flood-prone regions (owing to their livelihood dependence), the costs of land or property, or insufficient awareness regarding the potential flooding risks amid projected climate alterations.[23]
Common organizational barriers include a disconnect between government recommendations/policies and concrete actions made by actors and organizations.[24][25] Scholars point to other significant barriers that may impede adaptation action, like the lack of resources, financial incentives for long-term planning, and a lack of knowledge related to climate change adaptation.[26]Another common barrier is skepticism regarding the severity and urgency of climate impacts. Local knowledge of technical, climate-adapted solutions is instrumental for organizational adaptation, but opportunities to harness this knowledge can be missed due to skeptical beliefs.[26]
See also
References
- ^ IPCC (2014). "Glossary" (PDF). Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
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- ^ "AR5 Synthesis Report: Climate Change 2014 — IPCC". Retrieved 2019-12-18.
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- ^ Jones, Ludi and Levine, Lindsey, Eva and Simon (December 2010). "Towards a characterisation of adaptive capacity: a framework for analysing adaptive capacity at the local level" (PDF). ODI: 8. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2020-01-28. Retrieved 2019-10-02 – via Overseas Development Institute.
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- ^ Gunderson, L.H. and C.S. Holling, editors. Panarchy: Understanding Transformations in Human and Natural Systems. Island Press, Washington.
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- ^ Brooks, N and Adger, WN (2005) Assessing and enhancing adaptive capacity. In: Adaptation Policy Frameworks for Climate Change: Developing Strategies, Policies and Measures. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp. 165–181.
- S2CID 14884089. Archived from the original(PDF) on 24 June 2010. Retrieved 29 August 2010.
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- ^ a b c d e "IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change". archive.ipcc.ch. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
- ^ "Poor and Vulnerable Countries Need Support to Adapt to Climate Change". IMF. 2022-03-23. Retrieved 2024-04-13.
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- ^ a b Brooks ('first'), Adger ('second'), Nick ('first'), Neil ('second') (2004). "Assessing and Enhancing Adaptive Capacity": 165–181 – via Research Gate.
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