· 2 min read
illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Conversation or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The perception of climate adaptation as defeatist within the European climate movement is being challenged by heightened activism in 2023
• Activists are taking a stand against the construction of winter sports infrastructure and proposed water reservoirs, viewing these as maladaptation that exacerbates vulnerability to climate variability rather than genuine adaptation efforts
🔭 The context: Historically, adaptation strategies like building dikes or creating water reservoirs were seen by some as necessary, while others viewed them as exacerbating existing environmental issues
• The concept of transformational adaptation, which includes significant societal changes and addressing systemic vulnerabilities, is gaining traction but remains largely conceptual
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The protests and the shift in thinking towards transformational adaptation highlight the deep political nature of climate adaptation
• The debate centers around what constitutes genuine adaptation versus maladaptation, with implications for ecosystem preservation, resource management, and social equity
⏭️ What's next: The recent events may indicate a turning point towards a broader acceptance and engagement with transformational adaptation among climate activists
• The challenge lies in politicizing adaptation at the local level and integrating it with global climate justice movements, potentially aligning it more closely with the concerns of activists focused on mitigation
💬 One quote: "For many years, academics have sought to shed light on competing interests that are often hidden in technocratic processes inherent to adaptation," highlighting the complexity and political nature of climate adaptation strategies.
📈 One stat: Up to 30,000 protesters showed their opposition to the proposed water reservoirs in Sainte-Soline, indicating significant public concern over adaptation strategies that prioritize large agribusiness interests over local community rights and environmental sustainability.
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