Authors: Eriksen, Siri; Aldunce, Paulina; Bahinipati, Chandra Sekhar; Martins, Rafael D'Almeida; Molefe, John Isaac; Nhemachena, Charles; O'brien, Karen; Olorunfemi, Felix; Park, Jacob; Sygna, Linda; Ulsrud, Kirsten

Source: Climate and Development, Sustainable adaptation to climate change: Prioritising social equity and environmental integrity , pp. 7-20(14)

Publisher: Earthscan

Abstract:

Climate adaptation has become a pressing issue. Yet little attention has been paid to the consequences of adaptation policies and practices for sustainability. Recognition that not every adaptation to climate change is a good one has drawn attention to the need for sustainable adaptation strategies and measures that contribute to social justice and environmental integrity. This article presents four normative principles to guide responses to climate change and illustrates the significance of the `sustainable adaptation' concept through case studies from diverse contexts. The principles are: first, recognize the context for vulnerability, including multiple stressors; second, acknowledge that differing values and interests affect adaptation outcomes; third, integrate local knowledge into adaptation responses; and fourth, consider potential feedbacks between local and global processes. We argue that fundamental societal transformations are required in order to achieve sustainable development pathways and avoid adaptation funding going into efforts that exacerbate vulnerability and contribute to rising emissions. Despite numerous challenges involved in achieving such change, we suggest that sustainable adaptation practices have the potential to address some of the shortcomings of conventional social and economic development pathways.

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Keywords: adaptation; climate change; environmental change; sustainable development; transformation; vulnerability

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3763/cdev.2010.0060

Publication date: 2011-01-01

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• Published in partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)

  Editor in Chief: Richard Klein, Stockholm Environment Institute, Sweden

  Climate and Development is for all those who seek a better understanding of the links between climate and development: policymakers, academics, negotiators and industrial and non-governmental organisations.

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