Adaptation strategies for reducing vulnerability to future environmental change

Abstract

Fazey, I., Gamarra, J. G. P., Fischer, J., Reed, M. S., Stringer, L. C., Christie, M. (2010). Adaptation strategies for reducing vulnerability to future environmental change. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 8(8), 414-422. IMPF: 08.82 Sponsorship: Fenner School of Environment and SocietyMany adaptation strategies focus on improving short-term capacities to cope with environmental change, but ignore the possibility that they might inadvertently increase vulnerability to unforeseen changes in the future. To help develop more effective long-term strategies, we present a conceptual framework of adaptation. The framework emphasizes that in order to ensure that existing problems are not exacerbated, adaptation must: (1) address both human-induced and biophysical drivers of undesired ecological change; (2) maintain a diversity of future response options; and (3) nurture the kinds of human capacities that enable the uptake of those response options. These requirements are often not met when adaptation strategies rely on technological fixes, which tend to concentrate on coping with the biophysical symptoms of problems rather than addressing human behavioral causes. Furthermore, to develop effective, long-term adaptation, greater emphasis is needed on strategies that enhance, rather than erode, the human values, skills, and behaviors conducive to sustainable activities. Participatory approaches to environmental stewardship are part of the solution to this problem.Peer reviewe

A comprehensive review of climate adaptation in the United States: more than before, but less than needed

“…Relevant historical and future climate data are often then used to conduct a risk and/or vulnerability analysis; such efforts have been used in the water utility (Berry et al 2011), land and ecosystems management (Glick et al 2011;Heller and Zavaleta 2009;NPS 2010;USGS 2012), and government sectors (Pahl-Wostl et al 2011;Wheeler 2008 context-relevant adaptation activities for implementation (Means et al 2010;NRC 2010a). Participatory approaches enable the design of adaptation processes with context-specific information (Fazey et al 2010;Few et al 2007;Preston et al 2011;Smit and Wandel 2006), often by having community stakeholders and governing institutions work collectively to define the problem and identify adaptation strategies that are robust, while incorporating stakeholder values (Brunner 2005;Preston et al 2011;Stern and Fineberg 1996;World Bank 2008). Moreover, regional collaboration has emerged in places such as San Francisco Bay, San Diego Bay, Southeast Florida, Chesapeake Bay, and the Intermountain West, where stakeholders are coming together to address issues of regional concern (e.g., sea level rise, water distribution, transportation systems).…”

Integrating rural development and biodiversity conservation in Central Romania

“…Many communities suffer from tensions, including ethnic conflicts, demographic change, economic fragmentation and perceived inequalities in land restitution following the collapse of communism (Fischer et al 2012). To facilitate cooperation, a greater level of participation will be necessary, which will need to be based on rules and norms that are acceptable to all stakeholders involved (Fazey et al 2010;Rustagi et al 2010).…”

Increasing flexibility in rangeland management during drought

“…1B) and adapt to drought (Smit and Wandel 2006, McKeon et al 2009). Given that timing, duration, and severity of future droughts, along with associated risks, are largely unpredictable, flexibility is a key characteristic of management strategies for adapting to drought that may increase resilience of a ranching operation to future droughts (Fazey et al 2010). We draw on the experiences of Wyoming ranchers, who encounter drought more often than most of the US (Soule 1992), to understand drought management and suggest components of a proactive drought policy for US rangelands.…”

“…Given that timing, duration and severity of future droughts and associated risks are largely unpredictable, flexibility in drought management (e.g., ability to use multiple management options; Box 1) allows ranching operations to adaptively balance forage demand with forage supply, reduce drought impacts, and ultimately increase resilience (Ash and Stafford Smith 2003, Folke 2006, McKeon et al 2009, Darnhofer et al 2010, Fazey et al 2010). The ''best'' management strategy during one drought may not be the best strategy during the next drought.…”