Human adaptation to climatic variability and change

Smithers, John; Smit, Barry

doi:10.1016/s0959-3780(97)00003-4

Cited by 355 publications

(207 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…In terms of human adaptation, the nature and processes of adaptation to climate are poorly understood and rarely directly investigated (Smithers and Smit, 1997). Although the process and nature of adaptation may be elusive given the current state of knowledge, evidence does exist, through the persistence of agricultural practices, that cattle farmers make autonomous changes, both tactically and strategically, to offset the effects of disruptions in the system (Table 9.7).…”

Section: Autonomous Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temperature Mediated Moose Survival in Northeastern Minnesota

et al. 2009

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The earth is in the midst of a pronounced warming trend and temperatures in Minnesota, USA, as elsewhere, are projected to increase. Northern Minnesota represents the southern edge to the circumpolar distribution of moose (Alces alces), a species intolerant of heat. Moose increase their metabolic rate to regulate their core body temperature as temperatures rise. We hypothesized that moose survival rates would be a function of the frequency and magnitude that ambient temperatures exceeded the upper critical temperature of moose. We compared annual and seasonal moose survival in northeastern Minnesota between 2002 and 2008 with a temperature metric. We found that models based on January temperatures above the critical threshold were inversely correlated with subsequent survival and explained >78% of variability in spring, fall, and annual survival. Models based on late‐spring temperatures also explained a high proportion of survival during the subsequent fall. A model based on warm‐season temperatures was important in explaining survival during the subsequent winter. Our analyses suggest that temperatures may have a cumulative influence on survival. We expect that continuation or acceleration of current climate trends will result in decreased survival, a decrease in moose density, and ultimately, a retreat of moose northward from their current distribution.

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Section: Autonomous Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Temperature Mediated Moose Survival in Northeastern Minnesota

et al. 2009

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“…Smithers and Smit 1997;Smit et al 1999; see discussion by Eastaugh et al 2009 Throughout this document, we refer (explicitly or implicitly) to this conceptual framework to structure the examples of conflicts and synergies of adaptation measures. (Fig.…”

Section: Conceptual Model For Analyzing Adaptation Measuresmentioning

confidence: 99%

Climate change adaptation and sustainable regional development: a case study for the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany

et al. 2011

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Located in a relatively dry region and characterized by mainly sandy soils, the German Federal State of Brandenburg (surrounding the capital city of Berlin) is especially vulnerable to climate change impacts (e.g. summer droughts) and cascading effects on ecological systems (e.g. decreasing ground water tables, water stress, fire risk, productivity losses) with socioeconomic implications. Furthermore, a complex interplay of unemployment, rural exodus, and an aging population challenges this structurally weak region. We discuss adaptation measures that are either implemented or planned, as well as research into adaptation strategies to climate change for the sectors forestry, 1

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“…The debate on climate change has only recently begun to take into account issues related to human response or adaptation (Smithers and Smit 1997), and the present agenda for research on climate change is still not devoting much attention to the question of adaptation (Wilbanks and Kates 1999). The word "adaptation" figures prominently in the titles of some of the major publications in this area (e.g., Watson et al 1996), but not in their contents.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adapting to Climate Change: Social-Ecological Resilience in a Canadian Western Arctic Community

Berkes¹,

Jolly²

2002

575

464

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ABSTRACT. Human adaptation remains an insufficiently studied part of the subject of climate change. This paper examines the questions of adaptation and change in terms of social-ecological resilience using lessons from a place-specific case study. The Inuvialuit people of the small community of Sachs Harbour in Canada's western Arctic have been tracking climate change throughout the 1990s. We analyze the adaptive capacity of this community to deal with climate change. Short-term responses to changes in land-based activities, which are identified as coping mechanisms, are one component of this adaptive capacity. The second component is related to cultural and ecological adaptations of the Inuvialuit for life in a highly variable and uncertain environment; these represent long-term adaptive strategies. These two types of strategies are, in fact, on a continuum in space and time. This study suggests new ways in which theory and practice can be combined by showing how societies may adapt to climate change at multiple scales. Switching species and adjusting the "where, when, and how" of hunting are examples of shorter-term responses. On the other hand, adaptations such as flexibility in seasonal hunting patterns, traditional knowledge that allows the community to diversity hunting activities, networks for sharing food and other resources, and intercommunity trade are longer-term, culturally ingrained mechanisms. Individuals, households, and the community as a whole also provide feedback on their responses to change. Newly developing co-management institutions create additional linkages for feedback across different levels, enhancing the capacity for learning and self-organization of the local inhabitants and making it possible for them to transmit community concerns to regional, national, and international levels.

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Human adaptation to climatic variability and change

Cited by 355 publications

References 26 publications

Temperature Mediated Moose Survival in Northeastern Minnesota

Temperature Mediated Moose Survival in Northeastern Minnesota

Climate change adaptation and sustainable regional development: a case study for the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany

Adapting to Climate Change: Social-Ecological Resilience in a Canadian Western Arctic Community

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