Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change: Social Synthesis Report.
Abstract
This report presents the methodology developed and results derived from research conducted for the social component of the EACC country study track in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique and Vietnam. The report intends to complement the aggregated perspective of the global study and provide information on lessons learned and insights gained from a bottom-up, local-level analysis of vulnerability and preferred adaptation strategies. This synthesis report presents key messages on what drives vulnerability and how these factors multiply climate risk for poor households. Recommendations are made regarding the forms of adaptation that local groups consider most effective and the factors that must be considered to achieve climate-resilient development. These recommendations will help guide prioritization of actions, as well as the development of a robust, integrated approach for increasing resilience to climate risks at the national and sub-national levels – particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable groups in society.
While this report focuses on adaptation, it recognizes that actions to mitigate climate change must be pursued in parallel and supports the conclusion from the EACC synthesis report; namely, that while investment in mitigation is essential, it may be reasonable for developing countries to devote more effort to adaptation over the next few decades.
The report comprises four main sections. The first section presents the methodology used for data collection and analysis in all six country case studies (see Annex 9 for a list of country reports and all other outputs from the EACC Social component). The second section focuses on the concept of vulnerability as composed of exposure to risk, sensitivity to that risk and adaptive capacity. Examples from the case study countries are used to illustrate key factors that shape sensitivity and adaptive capacity.
The third section presents what adaptation means at the local level; discusses the key characteristics of a socially sustainable approach to achieving climate resilience; and shows to what degree local adaptation preferences reflect priorities embodied in national level climate change strategy documents and development processes. The final section provides recommendations for integrating these findings into the national planning processes in order to support socially sustainable, climate-resilient development outcomes.
Annexes 1-6 provide a more detailed overview of projected climate change impacts in each country case; details of site selection for fieldwork; and the rationale underlying this selection; and a brief summary of empirical findings in each case. Annexes 7 and 8 describe the fieldwork methodology and approaches used for participatory scenario development respectively.
Citation
Anon. Economics of Adaptation to Climate Change: Social Synthesis Report. (2010) 128 pp.
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