Coping with Risk. A Deep-Time Perspective on Societal Responses to Ecological Uncertainty in the River Dalälven Catchment Area in Sweden

Abstract

In addressing the current climate crisis, research into how past societies have coped with risk and ecological uncertainty can provide old solutions to new problems. Here, we examine how human niche construction can be seen as risk management in the face of uncertainty by exploring the spatial patterning of land-use activities over time. Dalarna county, an agriculturally marginal boreal forest environment, provides the opportunity for addressing change in terms of agricultural responses and other activities. C14 archaeological records complied by Dalarna Museum were the base of this analysis. The spatial and temporal components of these Boreal Forest records were analyzed in the open-source software QGIS, guided by a historical ecology framework. Human niches diversified and intensified during specific periods in the Boreal forest environment; our focus has been on how humans managed resource risk related to the ecological uncertainty within this forest environment characterized by long winters and short growing seasons. We conclude that constructed niches shaped the Boreal Forest, spanning its environmentally unique upland and lowland regions, into a more predictable environment. Tracking the diversity, multi-functionality, and intensity of these past land-use activities can provide insights for best practices in land management, not only for the Boreal Forest area, but also for elsewhere. These insights will assist in policy-making decisions, as the methodology is adaptable and replicable for various landscapes.

The impact of volcanism on Scandinavian climate and human societies during the Holocene: Insights into the Fimbulwinter eruptions (536/540 AD)

“…Despite this, the spatial-temporal analysis of inland Sweden’s 14 C records shows some degree of growth across all five land-use categories in the aftermath of the volcanic eruption (Figures S10, S12). The region’s unique geographical location, possible favorable microclimates, diversified land uses, and the creation of new grazing space for livestock resulting from forest clearance for iron production likely preconditioned the area for success during the Fimbulwinter (Eriksson et al, 2021; Eriksson, 2023; Hatlestad et al, 2021; Löwenborg, 2023; Oinonen et al, 2020). Just like in inland Norway, the fact that iron production continued in inland Sweden after the Fimbulwinter indicates that trade remained a viable strategy for coping with environmental risk.…”

“…For instance, remains from iron production in specific inland regions of Norway between AD 600 and 700 to 1350 and cooking pits, particularly abundant between AD 200 and 600, may skew the data due to their visibility and higher dating frequency (Gundersen et al, 2019; Larsen, 2009; Loftsgarden, 2020; Rundberget, 2013). The land use categories are adapted from Hatlestad et al (2021) and are informed by the data discussion on cultural change in the categories and contextual associations are as follows:…”

“…We wish to thank our many colleagues for providing their insights, technical assistance and reviews throughout this process, notably Marco Hostettler and Eugene Costello. We are also grateful to Joakim Wehlin for sharing his 14 C database (originally published in Hatlestad et al, 2021) as well as Friman and Lagerås (2023) whose database we have accessed thanks to FAIR principles. And many thanks to our co-authors Kjetil Loftsgarden and Steiner Solheim for the reuse of their comprehensive Norwegian 14 C database.…”