Climate adaptation research for the next generation

Abstract

The last decade has seen a rapid proliferation of climate change adaptation research resulting in a broad theoretical and conceptual understanding of adaptation. However, significant gaps still exist in applying these theoretical frameworks and tools in policy and practice. There is also little agreement on which methods and frameworks are truly robust, while many developing countries lack access to key literature and data. Several issues are especially relevant for early career researchers and practitioners. These include working in an area of science that crosses disciplinary boundaries, improving the quality of and capacity to undertake adaptation research, and equity and ethics. We elaborate on these themes based on our experiences as early career adaptation researchers working in developed and developing countries. We also identify several support mechanisms required to enable early career researchers to advance their engagement with the climate change adaptation agenda.

Designing the next generation of climate adaptation research for development

“…In principle, the evolution towards collaborative, coordinated and transdisciplinary programming in adaptation research is positive. It takes adaptation research away from the much-critiqued siloed, 'ivory tower' models towards one that many argue is better aligned with the complex and locally grounded nature of climate adaptation and development challenges (Lang et al 2012;Mustelin et al 2013). However, this new research approach faces a range of novel challenges related to: the breadth of knowledge it must draw upon; the interplay between social, biophysical and political drivers of change; the challenge of competing timescales and levels of uncertainty across them; and the urgency with which widely actionable solutions are being sought from research findings (De Souza et al 2015).…”

Should adaptation be a distinct field of science?

“…We should take to heart the advice that Mustelin et al (2013) offer us in this issue. There is a community of researchers working on adaptation, and they need particular kinds of support.…”

“…Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of editing the Viewpoint article appearing in this issue, 'Climate adaptation research for the next generation' (Mustelin et al, 2013). The authors of that paper argue that climate adaptation has become so expansive and so important, that young scientists entering the field need particular support in particular ways, in order to do their job well.…”

Une brève histoire de l’adaptation : l’évolution conceptuelle au fil des rapports du GIEC (1990-2014)

“…Ainsi, concernant le concept d'adaptation, plusieurs auteurs montrent invariablement que la signification du terme reste « fuyante » et varie selon les chercheurs, laissant une large marge d'interprétation (Smit et al, 2000 ;Füssel, 2007 ;Pelling, 2011 ;Mustelin et al, 2013). Au niveau local, les acteurs territoriaux et les décideurs publics aux prises avec la mise en oeuvre des volets « adaptation » des différentes politiques climatiques se heurtent également à l'imprécision du terme (Adger et Barnett, 2009 ;Simonet, 2013a).…”