Adapting to Climate Change: Thresholds, Values, Governance

Description

Adapting to climate change is a critical problem facing humanity. This involves reconsidering our lifestyles, and is linked to our actions as individuals, societies and governments. This book presents top science and social science research on whether the world can adapt to climate change. Written by experts, both academics and practitioners, it examines the risks to ecosystems, demonstrating how values, culture and the constraining forces of governance act as barriers to action. As a review of science and a holistic assessment of adaptation options, it is essential reading for those concerned with responses to climate change, especially researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and graduate students. Significant features include historical, contemporary, and future insights into adaptation to climate change; coverage of adaptation issues from different perspectives: climate science, hydrology, engineering, ecology, economics, human geography, anthropology and political science; and contributions from leading researchers and practitioners from around the world.

Review of the hardback: 'This book is a major contribution to a subject that has hitherto been far too little studied and commented on. 'Adaptation' to climate change sounds a simple idea, but turns out to be a complex and problematic one. Everyone involved in the debate about how to cope with global warming will profit by studying the diverse contributions this volume contains.' Lord Tony Giddens, London School of Economics and Political Science Review of the hardback: 'A fascinating collection of papers addressing adaptation to climate change in all its complexity, ranging geographically from the Inuit of Arctic Canada to the African Sahel via the inhabitants of Boscastle in Cornwall. On the way, it explores from the perspectives of many different writers the factors that enable and encourage communities to adapt, and the factors that hold them back. The book has a richness and depth of thinking that makes it required reading for all who seek to understand why some communities live in harmony with their climatic environment whilst others fail, and what this means for the future of society as a whole as it seeks to come to terms with climate change.' Jean Palutikof National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Griffith University 'This book provokes thought ... it succeeds in bringing together a wide-ranging group of specialists and provides valuable synopses of vital aspects of climate change science and social science.' A. M. Mannion, The Biologist 'This book presents a wide range of ideas and approaches to adapting to climate change. ... The book provides a good overview of the challenges facing those studying adaptation and those seeking to adapt to climate change ... there are many thought provoking chapters covering a diverse range of subects. ... the book is a must read for anyone, researcher or policy-maker working in the area of adaptation.' The Geographical Journal