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Transformative adaptation as a sustainable response to climate change: insights from large-scale case studies

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Abstract

Many climate change responses focus on form rather than substance. As a result, they invariably look at the consequences but ignore the drivers of climate change. Since past approaches towards climate change adaptation have had limited success, the most effective and sustainable way to minimize future climate change impacts on humanity is through transformative adaptation (TA). This paper defines and characterizes the conceptual foundations of this term and outlines how TA influences current and future climate change adaptation challenges. This paper reviews the meaning and purpose of transformation in climate change adaptation and, by means of a set of case studies, explains how their commonalities can help define good TA practice. Deploying a range of situations, this study shows how this approach is being implemented in a set of countries, and considers its potential transformative impact, its benefits, and challenges. The results obtained have shown that when implemented with due care, TA can yield long-term benefits to local communities. The paper conclude by listing some measures by which TA may be further deployed as a means of helping communities to meet the future challenges posed by a changing climate.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Research and Transfer Centre “Sustainability and Climate Change Management”, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany

    Walter Leal Filho

  2. Department of Natural Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Chester Street, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK

    Walter Leal Filho

  3. European School of Sustainability Science and Research, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany

    Franziska Wolf

  4. Institute of European Studies, Islands and Small States Institute, University of Malta, Msida, Malta

    Stefano Moncada

  5. University of Passo Fundo, Av. Brasil Leste, 285 – São José, Passo Fundo, RS, 99052-900, Brazil

    Amanda Lange Salvia

  6. Geospatial Analysis and Modelling Research (GAMR) Group, Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), 32610, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak, Malaysia

    Abdul-Lateef Babatunde Balogun

  7. Department of Public and Community Health, University of West Attica, 196 Alexandras Avenue, 11521, Athens, Greece

    Constantina Skanavis

  8. Research Centre of Environmental Education and Communication, Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81 100, Mytilene, Greece

    Aristea Kounani

  9. Sustainability Research Centre (ML28), University of the Sunshine Coast, Locked Bag 4, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia

    Patrick D. Nunn

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  1. Walter Leal Filho
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  2. Franziska Wolf
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Correspondence to Franziska Wolf.

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Filho, W.L., Wolf, F., Moncada, S. et al. Transformative adaptation as a sustainable response to climate change: insights from large-scale case studies. Mitig Adapt Strateg Glob Change 27, 20 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11027-022-09997-2

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