Analyzing Strategies for Climate Resilience: An ISM MICMAC Approach with a Focus on Sustainable Development

Abstract

In every sector, climate change necessitates proactive strategies that can enhance adaptability. The urgency for efficient frameworks that minimize risks and increase adaptation is further underscored by extreme weather events. In this study, we use Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and MICMAC (Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification) techniques to investigate the extent of alignment between strategies for building climate resilience and sustainable development goals. This research seeks to comprehend how various measures combine to ensure a society’s resilience and sustainability. A model showing relationships between key strategies is developed using ISM. MICMAC analysis splits these strategies into clusters based on their influence or dependence as well as informs about which strategy has more impacts compared to others in terms of implementation priority. None of the recovery actions fell under ‘Autonomous Variables’ implying their absolute relevance in boosting climatic resilience. However, there are some other variables, such as Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), Electric Vehicles (EVs), Forest Restoration (FR), Green Manufacturing (GM), etc., which were found to be linkage variables in this system. They build interconnections within the rest of the system. Climate Resilience (CR) was thus identified as the sole dependent variable since none met this criterion better than all others, thereby arguing for a comprehensive approach on how best to integrate these with one another to work best together. Independent variables, including Environment (Env.), Transportation (Trans), Industry (Ind), and Carbon Sequestration (CS) were found to have the highest driving power, serving as key drivers for achieving climate resilience. The study outlines different strategies and their implementation to achieve the objective of climate resilience. The study provides concrete, evidence-based policy recommendations to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Strengthening independent variables and enhancing linkage strategies can have a cascading positive effect, significantly improving climate resilience. The study emphasizes the significance of a cohesive, multi-dimensional approach, informed decision-making, and strategic focus to ensure a sustainable and resilient future. The work presents a clear strategy for implementing climate resilience measures for policymakers, stakeholders, and practitioners.