Experts address the question: How can we maximize the impact of adaptation measures to support sustainable development?

Abstract

The Natural Resources Forum is running a special series related to the themes for the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development in its 2006/2007 cycle. The Viewpoints in this issue will focus on adaptation measures which relate to one of these themes-climate change. Experts address the question: How can we maximize the impact of adaptation measures to support sustainable development? S ustainable development will be a reality only when adaptation to climate change is internalized and becomes a way of life for all citizens, sectors and stakeholders. We can institutionalize it and legislate it, even deny it all we want, but unless people buy into the reality of the negative impacts of climate change on all that we hold dear and all that we deem necessary-water, agriculture, tourism, life itself-there can be no sustainable development. In essence, adaptation is a survival issue. True, we may not be sure of what exactly is causing the present climate variability, and certain climatic phenomena cannot be explained. Some people question the relevance and even the existence of climate change. There are sceptics who doubt even that global warming exists. Thus, a state of uncertainty exists about likely future weather conditions, which makes planning difficult. What is certain, however, is that the extreme weather events that we are now experiencing are becoming more violent and more frequent, a trend likely to continue into the foreseeable future. Despite uncertainty, there are things we can do. Many 'no regrets' options can be embraced and undertaken now. These include: build stronger and safer houses; stop building on ocean beaches; and stop cutting down mangroves. We can also build energy-efficient houses and make more use of energy-efficient materials and renewable sources of energy. "We" here refers to all citizens, as we are all stakeholders in survival, sustainability and success. Adaptation to climate change must be a shared and consensual decision, taken and implemented by everybody. Adaptation measures will be fully effective only if people and institutions, local, regional and global, work together to increase the resilience of their societies, while simultaneously reducing vulnerability and risks associated with climate change. Sustainable development is not a project. It is a process. It has to be continuous, linking

Uncovering the Essence of the Climate Change Adaptation Problem—A Case Study of the Tourism Sector at Alpine Shire, Victoria, Australia

“…Issues pertaining to climatic change are best regarded as opportunities for transformative action that bring broader sustainability goals in a less abstract and more tangible perspective. By embedding and streamlining climate change into this broader framework would allow for a more integrative and effective approach, one that considers multiple intersecting pressures, challenges and various resources and therefore establishing a solid foundation for adaptive capacity that is compatible with conditions experienced on the ground (Wilbanks, 2003;Deyal et al, 2006;DiSano, 2006;Soltau, 2006;Ziervogel et al, 2006).…”

Application of the concept of cost benefits analysis (CBA) to property level flood risk adaptation measures

“…It is widely accepted that flood events are likely to become more frequent and severe as a consequence of climate change and sea level rise (Evans et al, 2004;Parker et al, 2005;Deyal, 2006;Environment Agency (EA), 2007;Pitt, 2008), together with land use changes and urban development ( Jha et al, 2012). However, determining the precise effects of these changes remains difficult in practical terms.…”