SusSH Change Makers event �Climate Adaptation with the Bioregional Learning Centre
21 February 2024
Isabel Carlisle and
Bridie Kennerley
Learning for climate adaptation
This year, 2024, BLC is launching a climate adaptation strategy for the South Hams, in partnership with the local council. We will be leading a learning journey for councillors and change-leaders in June and putting together a travelling exhibition on climate resilience that can travel around the South Hams from September onwards. We are focusing on civil society and the ability of local communities to be first responders.
What is climate adaptation?
Our planet has always been shaped by geo-systems on the move. Now, humans are accelerating that natural dynamic. To respond we can grow our capacity to think in systems, co-design responses, share information and collaborate.
The more we can do that, the more strategic and prepared we can be. Adaptation is going to take all of us working together.
‘Climate change mitigation means avoiding and reducing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to prevent the planet from warming to more extreme temperatures. Climate change adaptation means altering our behavior, systems, and—in some cases—ways of life to protect our families, our economies, and the environment in which we live from the impacts of climate change’ WWF
Humans have always been part of something much bigger than us
The land bridge at the end of the last ice age – Calais to Dover view.
Artist’s impression: Imperial College London
Trees, flowers, animals, insects, birds and bacteria came over the land bridge from Europe 450,000 years ago.
Animal species, including hominims, retreated south when the glaciers advanced and returned north when the climate grew milder and the ice melted.
We have always lived in and been shaped by a landscape of overlapping patterns, sheds and systems
Neanderthals and early Homo Sapiens and their joint descendants lived in a world of vast landscapes that they shaped over hundreds of thousands of years. In turn, their intimate knowledge of stone, water, wood, earth, herbs and edible plants, weather and animals shaped their brains and language as well as their bodies. Around 2% of our genetic make-up is Neanderthal DNA, can we now activate their systems skills? (IC)
Geosystems and planetary boundaries: Gaia on the move�Stockholm Resilience Centre, 13 December 2023
Exceeding 1.5°C global warming could trigger multiple climate tipping points (Exeter University December 2023)
Five major systems are already at risk of crossing tipping points: the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets, warm-water coral reefs, North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre circulation, and permafrost regions. These threats could materialise in the coming decades, and at lower levels of global warming than previously thought. They could be catastrophic, including global-scale loss of capacity to grow major staple crops. Triggering one Earth system tipping point could trigger another, causing a domino effect of accelerating damage.
Positive Tipping Points: levers for changing social systems
‘Transforming towards global sustainability requires a dramatic acceleration of social change. There is growing interest in finding ‘positive tipping points’ at which small interventions can trigger self-reinforcing feedbacks that accelerate systemic change.’
(‘Operationalising positive tipping points towards global sustainability’ Professor Tim Lenton, GSI, Exeter University et al, Cambridge University Press, 2022)
PROPOSED INTERVENTIONS
Climate Adaptation Strategy for�Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly
Climate change risk and opportunity assessment
IMPACT THEMES
Sea level rise (coastal flooding
and erosion)
Temperature change and extreme heat/cold
River and surface water flooding
Reduced water availability
(drought conditions)
Cascading impacts
Climate Adaptation Strategy for�Devon, Cornwall, and Isles of Scilly
Strategic Adaptation Plan (5 years)
& Action Plan (2-3 years)
Community
Individual
Policy/Regulator
Organisational
Adaptation Planning & Action Levels
Sectors
Natural Environment
Infrastructure
Health & the Built Environment
Business & Industry
Cross-cutting risks & international dimensions
Our Themes: Human Health
https://www.southhams.gov.uk/communities/warm-spaces-directory
Health impact areas include from extreme temperatures, flooding, food- & waterborne diseases, health service risk, mental health effects
Possible areas of resilience:
Our Themes: Food
Food impact areas include soil health, fisheries, effects of changing climate on agriculture, veterinary health, agricultural pests and pathogens
Possible areas of resilience:
Our Themes: Water
Water impact areas include increased winter rainfall and storm events, river and surface water flooding, sea level rise leading to coastal flooding & erosion, reduced water availability
Possible areas of resilience:
Our Themes: Local Environment
Local environment impact areas include risks to marine habitats, natural carbon stores, marine & coastal species, changing habitats, people’s enjoyment of nature
Possible areas of resilience:
Our Themes: Energy & Technology
Energy & technology impact areas include increased energy demand due to temperature, need for appropriate local infrastructure, availability of technology and equipment
Possible areas of resilience:
Next Steps
THE END