Adaptation to the impacts of climate change in small island communities : an analysis of Scottish case studies
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Date
26/06/2019Author
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Abstract
The IPCC have identified small islands as high-risk settings facing adverse impacts
of climate change, particularly flooding and storm surge, with potentially
detrimental consequences for human wellbeing and livelihoods. The Scottish
Islands are peripheral locations that are physically exposed to storms and coastal
flooding; the frequency and magnitude of which are likely to be exacerbated under
changing climatic conditions. Key questions remain about the issues, capacity and
priorities of small island communities for adapting to climate change impacts. The
research seeks to review and develop theory on the scale of adaptation measures
and considers: the appropriateness of top-down versus bottom-up approaches
within small island contexts; the role of participatory processes and utility of
scenario-based tools in island adaptation; and the effectiveness of ‘one-size-fits-all’
adaptation planning where local priorities differ significantly. Communities in
South Uist (Outer Hebrides), Westray (Orkney) and Unst (Shetland) formed a
multiple case study approach. Policy mapping, documentary analysis and
deliberative workshops were employed to develop initial background
understandings of each case study. Empirical evidence was drawn from focus
groups (N=9) which explored local perspectives on issues and priorities for
adaptation in the case study communities. The findings highlight that place-based
issues and priorities exist within the case studies, with significant variation across
all cases despite the communities being of similar population, demographic profile
and island context. The research contributes to debate on one-size-fits-all
adaptation planning and supports the argument that national adaptation strategies
can only be effective in small islands if local issues are understood. The findings
support the integration of top-down-and-bottom-up approaches as a pathway for
effective adaptation in small island settings. Deeper knowledge of the interface
between community-based action and strategic policy in cross-scale climate
change governance processes is developed and there is scope to apply a similar
approach to understand adaptation planning priorities in other small island
locations.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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