Addressing the Challenge of Institutional Infrastructure in a Technically Focussed World

Abstract

In this concluding chapter of the book, the key results are recapitulated and implications of the findings for policy, practice and theory are reflected upon. In addressing these mounting challenges, focussing on how to transition and transform to more sustainable water governance and management paradigms, is a crucial piece of the puzzle that includes technical and hard infrastructural adaptation, but should not be limited to it. It is high time that the social and institutional infrastructure that defines the decision making environment for technical and physical infrastructural adaptation is paid equal attention. Water governance regimes do need to be both adaptable to amalgamating pressures as climate change develops but also structured to foster elements of a system that allows for more holistic and sustainable adaptation to take place. However, beyond certain tipping points, there are state changes to which adaptation and the ability to cope may be virtually impossible. Thus, policies and institutions focussing on mitigation and adaptation should become better integrated in order to take better advantage of potentially valuable synergies, and ensure the avoidance of mal-adaptation that might in turn increase climate change drivers.