Culture as a mediator of climate change adaptation: Neither static nor unidirectional

Abstract

Though there is increasing recognition of the cultural dimensions that shape climate change adaptation, our experience from working with actors engaged in adaptation policy and practice suggests that the role of culture still tends to be conceived in overly narrow and fixed terms. This is exemplified in portrayals of conservative cultural norms as stifling positive change. A growing body of research across the world indicates that the reality is seldom as simple as this—culture works in complex and variable ways, and, most importantly, is inherently dynamic. Drawing especially from research work on vulnerability and adaptation conducted in semi‐arid regions, we illustrate this argument by briefly exploring three themes—multiple knowledge systems for farming in Botswana, the dynamics of pastoralist values and livelihoods in Kenya, and the interplay of caste and livelihood choices in India. Understanding how different facets of culture such as these operate in context helps move away from viewing culture statically as a barrier or enabler, and toward a more plural and dynamic appreciation of the role of culture in adaptation. This includes recognizing the potential for factors that may be construed as barriers to become enablers. Critical, balanced engagement with cultural dimensions in both research and practice, understanding and working with these dynamic social structures, is essential if adaptation is to create meaningful and lasting change for those who need it most. This article is categorized under: Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation

The dispersion of climate change impacts from viticulture in Ticino, Switzerland

“…Part of the challenge of examining complex climate change impacts of adaptation responses across a system is to obtain a data sample that reflects the breadth and depth of understanding of climatic risk perceptions and behaviors (Adger et al 2013;Elixhauser et al 2018;Few et al 2021). Here, we undertake socio-ecological qualitative research to examine vignerons' perceptions of climate change impacts and how those impacts are dispersing out to influence the viticultural system and associated land use decision-making.…”

“…Researchers have been examining agricultural adaptation to global climate change for some time (Butzer 1980;Fuhrer et al 2006;Smit and Skinner 2002). Yet, the concept of successful adaptation remains open to interpretation in relation to cultural values and behaviors (Adger et al 2009;Neset et al 2019;Few et al 2021). What might seem like an effective, resilient system to some, may to others be seen as unnecessarily rigid or conservative as farming communities strive to retain systems or landscapes in the face of overwhelming drivers of change (Brown 2011;MacKinnon and Derickson 2013;Wilson 2014;Patel et al 2017).…”

To understand climate change adaptation we must characterize climate variability. Here’s how.

“…Diversifying crops, livestock, or income sources can buffer against multiple bad harvests: for pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa, for example, cattle are preferred as livestock but goats are more resilient to drought 59,60 . That said, the longer the run of climate events, the more likely individuals will exhaust local options, including savings and withincommunity risk-pooling 35 ; this is often when individuals rely on options like migration or on between-community risk-pooling 41 .…”

Legal culture and climate change adaptation: An agenda for research

“…Thus, attention to legal culture may provide insight into a new category of normative barrier to adaptation and its sources. We can expect ideas about legality to play a role in prescribing, for example, what is considered an appropriate response to climate hazards and risk, who takes that action, and how acceptable it is (Few et al, 2021;Jones & Boyd, 2011). Within legal geography, for example, emerging work is demonstrating how the strength of rights consciousness in relation to issues of private property can lead to legal mobilization as a form of resistance to potential climate adaptation initiatives (O'Donnell, 2019a(O'Donnell, , 2019b.…”