Climate Change Adaptation Actions Research Articles

Climate Change Adaptation Activities and Needs in US State and Territorial Health Agencies.

To characterize US State and Territorial Health Agencies' (S/THA) climate change adaptation activities and priorities to facilitate appropriate investments, skills development, and support that will strengthen health sector capacity in response to a changing climate. In 2021, we conducted an online survey of S/THA staff requesting information on current activities related to climate change and health, the state of climate and health programming, and anticipated needs and priorities for assistance. We analyzed survey results using descriptive statistics. US State and Territorial Health Agencies. We received responses from 41 of 59 S/THAs (69.5%). Implementation of S/THA climate and health programs (CHPs); engagement in climate and health activities; maintenance of hazard early warning systems and action plans; employment of climate and health communications strategies; capability to assess risks and adaptation needs related to various climate-sensitive conditions; priorities and plans for climate change adaptation in relation to climate-sensitive health risks; climate change adaptation-related partnerships and collaborations; requests of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) for advancing climate change adaptation activities; and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on climate change work. Nineteen S/THAs reported having CHPs, the majority of which are federally funded. On average, S/THAs without CHPs reported engagement in fewer climate and health activities and more early warning activities. The S/THAs reported the highest levels of concerns regarding non-vector-borne infectious disease (66%), vector-borne infectious diseases (61%), and extreme heat (61%) hazards. As S/THAs with CHPs report substantially greater climate and health capacity than those without, additional federal and state investments (eg, Building Resilience Against Climate Effects [BRACE]) are urgently needed to catalyze climate and health capacity.

Impact of Climate Change on Indoor Air Quality: A Review

Climate change can affect the indoor environment due to heat and mass transfers between indoor and outdoor environments. To mitigate climate change impacts and adapt buildings to the changing environment, changes in building characteristics and occupants' behavior may occur. To characterize the effects of climate change on indoor air quality (IAQ), the present review focused on four aspects: (1) experimental and modeling studies that relate IAQ to future environmental conditions, (2) evolution of indoor and outdoor air concentrations in the coming years with regard to temperature rise, (3) climate change mitigation and adaptation actions in the building sector, and (4) evolution of human behavior in the context of climate change. In the indoor environment, experimental and modeling studies on indoor air pollutants highlighted a combined effect of temperature and relative humidity on pollutant emissions from indoor sources. Five IAQ models developed for future climate data were identified in the literature. In the outdoor environment, the increasing ambient temperature may lead directly or indirectly to changes in ozone, particle, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compound concentrations in some regions of the world depending on the assumptions made about temperature evolution, anthropogenic emissions, and regional regulation. Infiltration into buildings of outdoor air pollutants is governed by many factors, including temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, and might increase in the years to come during summer and decrease during other seasons. On the other hand, building codes in some countries require a higher airtightness for new and retrofitted buildings. The building adaptation actions include the reinforcement of insulation, implementation of new materials and smart building technologies, and a more systematic and possibly longer use of air conditioning systems in summer compared to nowadays. Moreover, warmer winters, springs, and autumns may induce an increasing duration of open windows in these seasons, while the use of air conditioning in summer may reduce the duration of open windows.

Assessment of Climate Change Impacts for Balancing Transboundary Water Resources Development in the Blue Nile Basin

An assessment of climate impacts in the hydrologic system of the Blue Nile basin is useful for enhancing water management planning and basin-wide policymaking. Climate change adaptation activities predominantly require an understanding of the range of impacts on the water resource. In this study, we assessed climate change impacts on the Blue Nile River using 30-year in situ climate data (1981–2010) and five bias-corrected General Circulation Models (GCMs) for future (2026–2045) climate projections of RCP8.5. Both historical and GCM precipitation projections show inter-annual and spatial variability, with the most significant increases in the rainy season and a significant decrease in the dry season. The results suggest the probability of an increase in total precipitation. The intensity and frequency of future extreme rainfall events will also increase. Moreover, the hydrological model simulation results show a likely increase in total river flow, peak discharges, flood inundation, and evapotranspiration that will lead to a higher risk of floods and droughts in the future. These results suggest that the operation of water storage systems (e.g., the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam) should be optimized for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and irrigation management in addition to their intended purposes in the Nile basin.

The landscape of sea-level rise adaptation resources: Applying grounded theory in California

The threat of climate change caused sea-level rise in coastal areas and the associated consequences for human development are extremely high. Governments and land managers around the world are developing sea-level rise adaptation strategies and physical plans. In this context, the urgency for climate services, meaning the provision of climate information to meet the decision-making needs of users is emerging as a priority. We used a constructivist grounded theory approach to develop an assessment framework and answer the question is there alignment between supplied climate service written guidance materials and the demands of local practitioners working to address sea-level rise in their communities. This framework is highly flexible and compares guidance resources with local actions. We applied this framework in three areas – adaptation barriers, planning processes, and sea-level rise actions – to written climate service materials in California to test its viability and develop policy and theory relevant insights. Through this work we found significant integration of the existing climate services in practice in coastal California. We gained important insights into how climate services can better meet the needs of local practitioners (e.g. by deepening their focus on policy relevant materials). We found that the strategic comparison of different climate change adaptation actions needs more guidance materials. We also found that more explicit support is needed to overcome key policy and legal barriers. We uncovered the fact that newer theories, such as those that create a typology to compare physical sea-level rise adaption strategies have not infiltrated current planning practice and more support is needed to help make the bridge possible. These additional services are essential to ensure the effectiveness of existing resources.

10.E. Round table: Climate emergency, health and equity education: policy and practice recommendations for Europe

Abstract Climate change continues to be the biggest challenge of the 21st century, with profound and growing negative consequences on public health. While the public health and wider healthcare sector faces the health risks and consequences of climate change, it is also an important actor as producer of carbon footprint. There is therefore a need for public health and healthcare professionals to be prepared to address the climate emergency and its inequitable impacts across vulnerable populations. Climate resilience and climate-health-equity and political literacy should be built to enable public health and healthcare professionals to gain a deeper understanding of the needed changes and communicate the direct and indirect environmental impact of our health system, institutions and daily lives. This round table discussion will be framed by the joint statement “Moving towards the right to ‘health for all’ by training the public health workforce on climate change and health” issued by a network of public health stakeholders under the EU Health Policy Platform. Endorsed by more than 75 organisations from the global, European and national level, the statement calls actors in public health to bring climate change and health concerns to the forefront of the debates. During the round table, 4 panellists will touch on evidence, solutions and guidance to address the climate emergency from the different perspectives of ASPHER, EuroHealthNet, Ecorys and EHESP French School of Public Health. The added value of the round table is conveying the different views of the panellists, bringing together European CSOs and partnerships of public health authorities, academia and a research-based consultancy company, and laying out possible ways of how working together could steer the EU and national multidisciplinary policy and decision-making on the intersection of climate, health, social justice, and education. After setting the need for action, the round table will seek to produce recommendations from public health actors to address the climate emergency, bringing the dialogue parallel to COP27. This workshop will explore how different actors from inside and outside the public health domain can contribute to climate mitigation and adaptation actions. The discussion will cover: investing in climate-health training for public health and healthcare professionals; investing in public health research; designing and monitoring mitigation programmes (e.g., sustainable and resilience-enhancing healthcare policies); building climate-health-equity literacy; and providing space for dialogue for those communities who will be most harmed by an inadequate public health response. From a policy perspective, the workshop will help prepare recommendations for actions related to COP27 and will reflect on strategic processes taking place at the European level (including the Conference on the Future of Europe, the European Health Union, the Strategic Foresight, and the Recovery and Resilience Plans). Key messages • Climate change poses an immediate threat to planetary health, and the co-benefits of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions to health and social justice should be highlighted in policies. • The workshop provides public health actors the opportunity to produce recommended actions from public health actors to address the climate emergency at the European and national level. Speakers/Panellists Tara Chen ASPHER, Brussels, Belgium Dorota Sienkiewicz EuroHealthNet, Brussels, Belgium Daniek Korver Ecorys NL, Rotterdam, Netherlands Laurent Chambaud École des Hautes Études en Santé Publique, Rennes, France

How RIVM is responding to the challenge of protecting human health from the effects of climate change – now and in the future

Abstract In 2020 the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) published its vision on climate change and health. This vision reflects the position of RIVM in society and highlights the transdisciplinary and collaborative nature of our work on this topic. We define this societal challenge as: protecting and promoting the health of people throughout society with regard to climate change and climate measures. The purpose of our work on this challenge is to support all levels of Dutch government with policy development and implementation and to forge links with both national and international organisations to further knowledge and expertise. The focus of our work, in collaboration with the aforementioned actors, is as follows: 1. Knowledge translation of the health impacts of climate change for the public and government. 2. Developing instruments to promote health in relation to climate change and mitigation and adaptation measures. 3. Implementation research on solutions to mitigate and adapt to climate change. 4. Strengthening national and international cooperation to enhance synergies in our work. In the workshop we will present examples of our work: • Quantifying the health impacts of climate change, now and in the future under different global warming scenarios. • Developing a set of indicators to monitor the health impacts of climate change and mitigation and adaptation plans and actions. • Collating and disseminating easily digestible information for public health services on evidence-based, effective adaptation measures. • Developing tools and instruments to ensure health benefits and limit unintended consequences of adaptation measures, such as green and blue spaces. • Prioritising research on climate change and health through a research agenda. Workshop participants will be encouraged to provide feedback to inform RIVM's future work and that of other national public health institutes, and to ensure we are fully supporting our stakeholders.

Implementing Local Climate Change Adaptation Actions: The Role of Various Policy Instruments in Mopane (Colophospermum mopane) Woodlands, Northern Namibia

The impacts of climate change are severe in rural communities because of their proximity to forest ecosystems. Colophospermum mopane woodlands are vital in supporting the livelihood of the rural communities in the mopane woodlands while contributing to biodiversity conservation. There is limited research regarding implementing policy instruments for climate change adaptation in rural areas of the mopane woodlands in northern Namibia. This study aims to investigate this subject from the mopane woodlands’ point of view to understand the implementation of policy instruments for climate change adaptation in the mopane woodlands. We conducted an online survey focusing on multiple stakeholders, experts in different sectors, and local communities. Major challenges such as a limited general understanding of climate change, its impacts, dry conditions of Namibia, and lack of funds for adaptation measures hamper the implementation of policy instruments for climate change adaptation in mopane woodlands. Policymakers and relevant stakeholders should emphasize altering rural communities’ reliance on forest resources for their livelihood by improving their awareness of the impacts of climate change. Future research should evaluate climate change policy instruments’ framework and strategies in the context of forest ecosystems at the rural area level of Namibia.

Is ecological vulnerability assessment based on the VSD model and AHP-Entropy method useful for loessial forest landscape protection and adaptative management? A case study of Ziwuling Mountain Region, China

• Ecological vulnerability was assessed and mapped via the AHP-entropy method and VSD model. • Spatiotemporal changes existed in the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. • Apparent spatial cluster patterns of ecological vulnerability existed. • An integrated method was developed for adaptive management to dryland sustainability. Ecological vulnerability assessment is an effective tool to aid decision-makers in understanding the impact of natural and anthropogenic variables on ecosystems. Yet, we know little about incorporating ecological vulnerability into accurate decision-making for climate change adaptation and human activities governance. This study proposes a comprehensive framework to link the Vulnerability Scoping Diagram (VSD) model, Analytic Hierarchy Process-Entropy method, hot spot and cluster analysis into ecological vulnerability assessment and management in the Ziwuling Mountain Region (ZMR), a typical loessial forest landscape in arid China. There were significant spatial and temporal changes in the exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity index in the ZMR from 1990 to 2017. The exposure and adaptive capacity index increased from 1990 to 2017. The subareas with a high exposure value were distributed in the north and south ZMR, and the subareas with a high adaptive capacity value were distributed in the east ZMR. The ecological vulnerability declined during the study period, with the smaller value subareas allocated in the middle and south ZMR and higher value in the north and southwest. Significant spatial clustering patterns on the hot and cold spots of ecological vulnerability existed in the ZMR. The clustering subareas of hot spots on ecological vulnerability were mainly characterized by dry steppe, less precipitation, and less vegetation coverage. The subareas of cold spots of ecological vulnerability were dominated by forestry and forestry-agricultural landscapes. Some suggestions and countermeasures were put forward for adaptive management and sustainability enhancement. Our results provide integrative methods linking the VSD model, AHP-entropy method, hot spot and cluster analysis to ecological vulnerability reduction and adaptive management for dryland sustainability, especially for the forest social-ecological systems in the Chinese Loess Plateau.

Climate adaptation and risk preparedness in Florida’s East Coast cities: views of municipal leaders

Cities along Florida’s Atlantic coastline are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, posing significant challenges for city planners. How cities see themselves in terms of developing or implementing their climate change adaptation action plans depends, in part, on the extent to which they perceive climate-related events as risks, and their city size. Data were obtained from city leaders (i.e. mayors, city/town managers, or their designees) from 86 cities along Florida’s Atlantic Coast from January to May 2021 to quantitatively assess factors influencing city adaptation planning. Validity and reliability were obtained for the survey. Multiple regression analyses showed significant positive correlations between perceived risk, city size, and (self-assessed) climate change preparedness. A statistical interaction was noted; as city size increased, risk perception decreased.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Role in Driving Urban Climate Governance: The Case of CIKOD and GAYO in Ghana

While cities are considered pivotal sources of global greenhouse gas emissions, they are also essential in urban climate governance. The role of NGOs in different contexts is increasing in terms of the mode of governance, but the empirical evidence of how they contribute to urban climate action in small and medium-sized cities, especially in developing countries is limited. Drawing evidence from Ghana, a case study research design was adopted and this facilitated an in-depth understanding of how NGOs contribute to urban climate governance in small and medium-sized cities in Ghana. The primary data collection methods included key informant interviews with two purposively selected NGOs: the Center for Indigenous Knowledge and Organisational Development (CIKOD) and the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO), which is located in the Wa Municipality and the Cape Coast Metropolis respectively. Randomly selected residents made up of chiefs and assembly members, who are the representatives of the people in the municipality, were interviewed. All interviews were transcribed and analysed in generated themes. The study revealed that climate change adaptation actions included local empowerment through capacity building, climate advocacy, and waste management. As a result of the adaptation focus, the paper concludes that collaborations and partnerships among state and non-state actors will help generate greater resilience benefits for local communities. Climate change adaptation programmes, which are often initiated by NGOs, are also steered by local residents outside of administrative systems.

A menu of climate change adaptation actions for terrestrial wildlife management

AbstractThe real‐world application of climate change adaptation practices in terrestrial wildlife conservation has been slowed by a lack of practical guidance for wildlife managers. Although there is a rapidly growing body of literature on the topic of climate change adaptation and wildlife management, the literature is weighted towards a narrow range of adaptation actions and administrative or policy recommendations that are typically beyond the decision space and influence of wildlife professionals. We developed a menu of tiered adaptation actions for terrestrial wildlife management to translate broad concepts into actionable approaches to help managers respond to climate change risks and meet desired management goals. The menu includes actions related to managing wildlife populations as well as managing wildlife habitat. We designed this resource to be used with the Adaptation Workbook, a structured decision‐support tool for climate adaptation. We describe real‐world examples in which managers have used the Wildlife Adaptation Menu to integrate climate adaptation considerations into wildlife management and conservation projects. Our examples illustrate how a comprehensive and structured menu of adaptation approaches can help managers brainstorm specific actions and more easily and clearly communicate the intent of their climate adaptation efforts.

생태계 부문의 기후변화 적응 갭 분석

As increasing the damage caused by climate change and attention of the people, the appearing of the terms ‘adaptation gap’, ‘adaptation goals’ are increasing. However, there are no clear definitions of these terms. This study defined climate change adaptation gap as the difference between the adaptation goals and adaptation effort, set quantitative adaptation goals and analyzed climate change adaptation gap. By analyzing the climate change adaptation gap, it can be evaluated the effectiveness of climate change adaptation plans and directed the future national climate change adaptation plan. This study’s methodology is selecting the index based on National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (NAP) Risk, assessment of data availability, setting quantitative adaptation goals, driving the climate change adaptation gap and proposing the way to improve climate change adaptation plan in the future. At this time, expert discussion was conducted to select the additional index and review national climate change adaptation action plan. The important purpose of the study is to analyze the climate change adaptation gap by setting the quantitative adaptation goals. Following this study’s methodology, intent to set up the quantitative adaptation goals, analyze the adaptation gap and contribute to the establishment of national climate change adaptation plan in the future.

Evaluation of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 model‐simulated extreme precipitation over Indonesia

AbstractThe ability of 42 global climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), consisting of 20 low resolution (LR) and 22 medium resolution (MR), are evaluated for their performance in simulating mean and extreme precipitation over Indonesia. Compared to Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS), the model climatologies and interannual variability are investigated individually and as multimodel ensemble means (MME‐mean) at monthly and seasonal time scales for the historical simulation over the period 1988–2014. Overall, results show that both LR and MR CMIP6 model skills in simulating mean and extreme precipitation indices vary across specific Indonesian regions and seasons. The individual and MME‐mean tend to overestimate the observed climatology, being largest over drier regions, yet MR models perform better compared to the LR regarding the mean bias presumably due to increased resolution. CMIP6 models tend to simulate extreme precipitation better in the dry seasons compared to the wet season. The MME‐means of the LR and MR groups mostly outperform the individual models of each group in simulating wet extremes (R95p and Rx5d) but not for the dry extremes (CDD). Among the 42 CMIP6 models, three models consistently perform poorly in simulating Rx5d and R95p, namely FGOALS‐g3, IPSL‐CM6A‐LR, and IPSL‐CM6A‐LR‐INCA, and one model in consecutive dry day (CDD) simulation, MPI‐ESM‐1‐2‐HAM, and caution is warranted. Given the knowledge of such biases, the LR and MR CMIP6 climate models can be suitably applied to assist policy makers in their decision on climate change adaptation and mitigation action.

Gender, Climate Change Adaptation, and Cultural Sustainability: Insights From Bangladesh

The focus of this paper is mainly to investigate climate change adaptation practices and the applicability of a cultural sustainability approach in understanding gender dimension of the residents of the southwest coast of Bangladesh. It is one of the most vulnerable regions in South Asia due to the significant impacts of climate change. The long-term effects of climate change in this region are the increasing salinity in farmlands, heatwaves, and sea-level rise. The southwest coast of Bangladesh is a classic example of “good practice” as well as the center for learning, implementing, and communicating climate change adaptation actions in practice. The reason for this the collective action carried out to initiate and improve adaptation activities by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change of the Government of Bangladesh, as well as several national and international development and non-government organizations (NGOs). Using a systematic review of literature, and field-based case studies, we examined how gender and cultural issues (such as the adaptive capacity of men and women, and the transformation of gendered power relations) have been addressed to successfully implement climate change adaptation initiatives in the context of the nominated study area. Our study results revealed that both male and female participants were strategic and capable of dealing with climate change impacts, although the adaptive capacity of the former group was comparatively sturdier than the later. The extent of cultural sustainability was found to be weaker in the study region compared to many other coastal communities in the country. The efforts made by NGOs in collaboration with the governmental bodies of Bangladesh were found contributory in providing knowledge of climate change along with the techniques to adapt to its consequences for the people of the study region. Similarly, the activities of NGOs were found influential in helping the government to support people in adapting to climate change in terms of the gendered and cultural sustainability perspectives. Our findings contribute to the field of climate change impacts in understanding the complexities of rural development.

Revisiting the role of international climate finance (ICF) towards achieving the nationally determined contribution (NDC) target: A case study of the Indonesian energy sector

Climate change has impacted development progress and increased global inequality. Therefore, all emitters, both developed and developing countries, must implement climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. Indonesia is one of the developing countries that signed the Paris Agreement. In its NDC document, Indonesia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gases emission by 29% using domestic resources (unconditional) and 41% with international support (conditional) from the business as usual (BAU) scenario by 2030. This commitment gives Indonesia the right to take advantage of various types of support, including ICF opportunities offered by the ADB through the non-UNFCCC financial scheme and the Global Green Growth Institute through the UNFCCC financial mechanism. This paper explores to what extent ICF supports the achievement of Indonesia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) target. The study uses qualitative analysis to provide a general overview of ICF in Indonesia, its climate finance strategies, and the case study of the energy sector. The study finds that ICF in Indonesia continues to develop, albeit with many limitations. Several ICF channels could be utilized more optimally such as, loan and grant instruments. Indonesia cannot rely solely on international support to meet its enormous climate finance needs; it must develop innovative financing through various instruments, such as green sukuk. ICF also plays a role in facilitating the energy transition from coal-based to renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency.

Impact of Climate Change Mitigation Measures on Indigenous Peoples

The author presents selected ventures in the area of climate change mitigation and adaptation that negatively affect indigenous peoples. Against this factual background, she analyzes relevant international legal regulations. Such an analysis enables the answer to the main research question: can climate change adaptation and mitigation actions be the justification for disrespecting the rights of indigenous peoples? The research method adopted is legal- -institutional analysis which includes an examination of the content of legal and other documents. Combined with critical analysis of literature and media reports this analysis allows representation of the reality – violations of the rights of indigenous peoples as a part of efforts to counteract climate change. Recommendations and main findings include: climate change adaptation and mitigation measures may not justify violations of the rights of indigenous peoples; such measures have to be developed in collaboration with indigenous communities; indigenous peoples’ rights may not be perceived as a factor hindering the State’s economic development or an obstacle to environmental protection; indigenous knowledge should be included in the strategies to combat climate change. Indigenous peoples should be regularly consulted by policy makers so that the their traditional knowledge is incorporated in decisions regarding these matters.

Assessment of agricultural emissions, climate change mitigation and adaptation practices in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The agricultural sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in Ethiopia, as it is the basis of the economy and the primary source of employment. This study investigated the implementation of mitigation and adaptation practices in smallholder farms in Ethiopia, estimated GHG emissions associated with mitigation practices, and identified potential mitigation options and barriers and enabling factors for implementation. Twenty-five smallholder farmers were selected by a local development agency and interviewed in the field about their land use and land management practices and the Mitigation Options Tool (MOT) was used to estimate GHG emissions, to identify mitigation options and co-benefits, and as a platform for promoting learning and knowledge exchange across different types of stakeholders. All farmers interviewed in the field acknowledged changes in the climate, but only some were implementing adaptation practices to cope with such changes, namely, crop rotations, planting new crop types, and the early sowing of crops. Fewer mitigation practices were implemented, namely reduced tillage and application of manure in cereal crops and potatoes. These practices were mainly implemented because of their benefits for soil conservation (e.g. fertility, soil water holding capacity, yield stabilization, erosion avoidance) rather than for mitigation (carbon sequestration) purposes. Greenhouse gas emissions from the application of synthetic fertilizer to crops, and from livestock production varied widely across farmers depending on the amount of fertilizer applied and the number and type of livestock raised. Tenancy rights and extension services were identified as potential enablers of the adoption of climate change mitigation and adaptation practices by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, and competing uses for straw was a potential barrier for the incorporation of residues in the soil. Barriers and enabling factors should be assessed thoroughly through further engagement with farmers as well as data on the amount of organic matter added to the soil, as these practices have co-benefits in terms of soil conservation, which are especially relevant for climate change adaptation in semi-dry climates. The MOT could be used in the future as a facilitator for knowledge exchange between researchers and practitioners in Ethiopia, and in other developing countries where data availability is low, to support the identification of effective climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. Key policy insights Climate change mitigation practices in agriculture can provide co-benefits for adaptation and food security, including the stabilization of crop yields, especially in semi-dry climates; more evidence about these co-benefits is needed. The systematic collection of data on manure and crop residues should be supported as a priority as well as the identification of implementation barriers for mitigation and adaptation practices. Smallholder farmers need to be engaged throughout any assessment of climate change mitigation potential to raise awareness, identify co-benefits of possible actions, and to identify and address barriers for implementation. Tenancy rights and extension services are potential enabling factors for the adoption of climate change mitigation and adaptation measures by smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. In developing countries, user-friendly tools such as the MOT can promote learning and knowledge exchange across diverse stakeholder groups about the impact of land use and management options on climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Identifying and prioritising climate change adaptation actions for greater one-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) conservation in Nepal.

Climate change has started impacting species, ecosystems, genetic diversity within species, and ecological interactions and is thus a serious threat to conserving biodiversity globally. In the absence of adequate adaptation measures, biodiversity may continue to decline, and many species will possibly become extinct. Given that global temperature continues to increase, climate change adaptation has emerged as an overarching framework for conservation planning. We identified both ongoing and probable climate change adaptation actions for greater one-horned rhinoceros conservation in Nepal through a combination of literature review, key informant surveys (n = 53), focus group discussions (n = 37) and expert consultation (n = 9), and prioritised the identified adaptation actions through stakeholder consultation (n = 17). The majority of key informants (>80%) reported that climate change has been impacting rhinoceros, and more than 65% of them believe that rhinoceros habitat suitability in Nepal has been shifting westwards. Despite these perceived risks, climate change impacts have not been incorporated well into formal conservation planning for rhinoceros. Out of 20 identified adaptation actions under nine adaptation strategies, identifying and protecting climate refugia, restoring the existing habitats through wetland and grassland management, creating artificial highlands in floodplains to provide rhinoceros with refuge during severe floods, and translocating them to other suitable habitats received higher priority. These adaptation actions may contribute to reducing the vulnerability of rhinoceros to the likely impacts of climate change. This study is the first of its kind in Nepal and is expected to provide a guideline to align ongoing conservation measures into climate change adaptation planning for rhinoceros. Further, we emphasise the need to integrating likely climate change impacts while planning for rhinoceros conservation and initiating experimental research and monitoring programs to better inform adaptation planning in the future.

Progress in climate change adaptation and mitigation actions in sub-Saharan Africa farming systems

This paper reviews the progress in climate change adaptation and mitigation actions in sub-Saharan Africa farming systems. Farmers, organizations and Governments in the region have developed policies and innovations to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It appears that the developed and implemented innovative adaptive farming systems and technologies have culminated into resultant overall productivity improvement in farming systems, necessitating scaling up in order to widely strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change. Additionally, climate governance instruments that are aligned to the ratified international treaties have been developed and related programs have been rolled out in different countries. This offers hope for well-coordinated efforts and interventions for the mitigation and adaptation to the adverse impacts of climate change on the environment and livelihoods. Observably, there is a pressing need to scale up climate smart innovations sustainably through creation of an enabling policy environment, capacity building, and conducting climate change related research and outreach, and effective dissemination of climate technologies and information, especially in remote areas in the region. Since climate change is a global issue, local initiatives and actions for mitigating and adapting to the adverse impacts ought to be well integrated into the broader international context.

Valorizing Bamboo for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaption: Legal and Policy Appraisal from Cameroon

This paper showcases the potential that bamboo holds in contributing to the fight against climate change both in terms of mitigation and adaptation. Drawing on relevant primary and secondary sources, the article applies content analysis and doctrinal research methods to demonstrate the suitability of bamboo in enhancing climate change mitigation and adaptation (CCMA) action in Cameroon. Based on such suitability, the article critical assesses the legal and policy opportunities for promoting bamboo-based CCMA actions in Cameroon. The analysis reveals that bamboo is still underdeveloped in Cameroon despite its versatility in providing crucial socio-cultural, economic, ecological and more importantly, climate services. The reason why this potential is still untapped in Cameroon especially within the framework of combatting climate change is because relevant legal and policy instruments which are the springboards for climate action have not adequately captured and promoted bamboo for its CCMA values. Consequently, the necessary legal and policy impetus for bamboo-based CCMA actions to take root in Cameroon is weak. The paper concludes with a recommendation that the Cameroonian government revise and update its existing CCMA policy instruments to capture and promote bamboo-based CCMA actions, in line with international CCMA policy guidance.