Why did we undertake this study?
The concept of ‘adaptation’ has become mainstreamed, especially when discussing responses to climate change. However, there has been little critique of whether adaptation is actually consistent with its original intent, and what the long-term implications are for the resilience of communities.
How was it done?
We examined historical notions of adaptation from pre-Darwin through to the present to assess changes in conceptualisation, purpose, and intent. We coupled this with an example of coastal adaptation in practice to show the changes and implications.
What did we find?
Historical notions of adaptation (self-modification) are not reflected in contemporary notions of adaptation (modification of external environments), specifically:
- Contemprary adaptation is better defined as manipulation;
- Manipluation can stress social-ecological processes and decrease the opportunity for authentic learning experiences; and
- Manipultion can eventually lead to path dependencies and system collapse.
The way adaptation is conceived is essentially related to the intention of who and what should adapt.
Implications
Different types of adaptation responses can have dramatic implications for coastal communities. Adaptive behaviors represent longterm strategies for building resilience, whereas manipulative behaviors represent short-term strategies with uncertain consequences for coastal vulnerability and resilience.
This is because manipulative strategies can obscure valuable learning opportunities, create adverse path dependencies, and lessen the likelihood of effective adaptation in future contexts.
This research forms the theoretical framework for better understanding coastal governance to support resilient communities.
Learn more
The full paper is available from: http://dx.doi.org/10.5751/ES-04953-170320
Citation: Thomsen DC, Smith TF & Keys N, 2012, Adaptation or manipulation? Unpacking climate change response strategies, Ecology and Society, 17(3): 20.
You can download a pdf version of this summary.
Acknowledgements
This research was supported by the CSIRO Flagship Collaboration Fund through the Coastal Collaboration Cluster and the South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative. The continuing research is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Research Council Discovery Projects Funding Scheme (Project FT180100652). This work contributes to Future Earth Coasts, a Global Research Project of Future Earth. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the CSIRO, the Australian Government, the Australian Research Council or Future Earth Coasts.