Social and institutional dimensions of climate change adaptation
Issue Date
2012
Abstract
Purpose: The Philippines is among the countries vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. However, many local government units (LGUs) and the people themselves are not aware of the climate change phenomenon and do not have the capacity to undertake appropriate climate change adaptation measures. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the climate change adaptation strategies of communities and LGUs and the barriers and recommendations to enhance their adaptive capacity. Design/methodology/approach: The study covered five communities vulnerable to climate change impacts. Information on extreme climatic events and their impacts and adaptation strategies undertaken were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews. LGU staff members were assisted in the preparation of their climate change adaptation plan (CCAP). Findings: The LGUs and communities have low adaptive capacity and employed temporary adaptation strategies. Strong social cohesion and spontaneous collective action are factors that could enhance the communities' adaptive capacity. The pursuit of awareness raising and capacity building activities on climate change phenomena, alternative livelihood, preparedness and adaptation possibilities, technology and infrastructure development and collective action, which are critical adaptive capacity enhancement factors were laid-out in the CCAP. Originality/value: The paper presents the barriers that constrain the adaptive capacity of communities and LGUs, the recommended adaptive capacity enhancement measures to overcome these barriers and the highlights of the CCAP jointly prepared by the partner LGUs and scientists. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.
Source or Periodical Title
International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management
ISSN
1756-8692
Volume
4
Issue
3
Page
308-322
Document Type
Article
Language
English
Subject
Adaptive capacity, Climate change, Climate change adaptation planning, Community adaptation, Institutional adaptation, Philippines
Recommended Citation
Peñalba, L.M., Elazegui, D.D., Pulhin, J.M., Cruz, R.V.O. (2012), "Social and institutional dimensions of climate change adaptation", International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, 4 (3), 308-322. https://doi.org/10.1108/17568691211248748
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.1108/17568691211248748
Digital Copy
yes
