In a groundbreaking study academics at the University of Glasgow's School of Social & Environmental Sustainability have contributed to the world's first mapping of peer-reviewed literature on climate change adaptation.

The research, conducted as part of the Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative (GAMI), revealed that affected individuals and households have shouldered the primary burden of adaptation, while systemic networking among experts has proven inadequate.

Led by a consortium of 29 universities, GAMI assessed over 1,400 scientific studies on climate change adaptation. The results unveiled significant gaps in the distribution of roles and responsibilities for adaptation across the globe. Notably, there was a dearth of transformative adaptation measures that profoundly reshape societies, infrastructure, and risk management in response to climate change's massive impacts. Additionally, evidence of collaborations between various state and non-state actors was limited.

Dr. Jiren Xu and Dr. Emilie Cremin, researchers at the University of Glasgow's School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, underscored the significance of these findings. They emphasized that while individual and household efforts in adapting to climate challenges are commendable, they represent only a piece of a larger puzzle that requires coordinated action from government and institutional players.

The study's findings hold particular relevance for Scotland, highlighting the immediate reality and urgency of addressing climate change. Dr. Xu stressed the need for a unified approach where individual actions are complemented by robust institutional frameworks and forward-thinking policies.

Dr. Cremin highlighted the importance of consultation, participation, and coordination among all stakeholders in developing and implementing sustainable adaptation solutions. She advocated for co-production of knowledge and co-management involving local communities in planning and managing the impacts of climate change.

The study's lead author, Jan Petzold, geographer at LMU, emphasised the need for collaboration between various actor groups to achieve sustainable adaptation projects. He pointed out that many interventions, such as climate-adapted forest restructuring, farmland conversion, urban infrastructure adjustments, and even coastal area resettlement, require coordinated concepts.

Professor Matthias Garschagen, who holds the Chair of Human Geography at LMU and helped coordinate the study, called for a more intensive and explicit debate on the question of who should take on which tasks in adapting to climate change. He emphasized the importance of this knowledge in supporting actors on the road to more effective and coordinated adaptation.

Overall, the study's findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced collaboration and coordinated action among various stakeholders to address the challenges of climate change adaptation. By bridging the gaps in responsibilities and fostering effective partnerships, societies can better prepare for and respond to the impacts of a changing climate.

Read the full report on the University news webpage

First published: 10 November 2023

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