An institutional analysis to address climate change adaptation in Tenerife (Canary Islands)

Abstract

Highlights Heat waves and dust outbreaks may have risen in frequency and intensity in Tenerife. Derived negative impacts on services and human health have been reported. Institutional analysis is used to explore the institutional setting of adaptation. Findings are shared to improve the Global Covenant of Mayors initiative.

A comparative analysis to depict underlying attributes that might determine successful implementation of local adaptation plans

“…Public participation is believed to be useful for adaptation planning due to several reasons. For example, it has been alleged to be meaningful to evaluate the statu quo of adaptation planning and the understanding of existing policies and barriers ( Hernandez et al, 2018a ). Consequently, public participation prepares the conditions for long term climate goals formulation and visions ( Hernandez et al, 2018b ; Hilden et al, 2017 ; Mendizabal et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Furthermore, public participation reinforces deliberation with regards to desirable futures aiming at sustainability ( Larsen et al, 2011 ), stimulating transitions towards more climate-resilient cities ( Mendizabal et al, 2018 ). Public participation also provides a more holistic framework to design ( Allam et al, 2017 ) climate change adaptation actions ( Endo et al, 2017 ; Hernandez et al, 2018a ).…”

Ecological transition in a World Heritage City: The case of San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Canary Islands)

“…The same authors state that a warming of 2°C will result in twice as many droughts, twice as many heatwaves and twice as many species extinctions, among other effects. One of the most affected regions includes West Africa, pointing to the Canary Islands marine fringe as a climate change hotspot 3,4 …”

“…These elements are essential in describing the climatology of the archipelago and should be studied in detail and in conjunction with the development of regional scenarios. Due to its geographical location, its insularity and its biodiversity, the Canary Islands are very vulnerable to the current and future impacts of climate change on its natural, social and economic systems 3,4 . In the last decades, some events related to climate change have been perceived in the Canary Islands, such as changes in the frequency of cloudy days, an increase in the number of days subject to Saharan air invasions, 11 a decrease in November rains, an increase in the frequency of heat waves, and an increase in sea temperature or night temperatures 12 .…”

“…One of the most affected regions includes West Africa, pointing to the Canary Islands marine fringe as a climate change hotspot. 3,4 The National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change 5 is the reference framework for coordination among public administrations in the assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change in Spain. With regard to the assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation, the plan establishes various areas of focus.…”