Synopsis: Adaptation Pathways

Adaptation Pathways

The concept of Adaptation Pathways combines emphasizes the importance of both decision timing and decision context and frames adaptation as the evolution over time of the decision contexts that enable and constrain adaptation decisions. Instead of seeing pathways as only a sequence of decisions, the Adaptation Pathways concept helps people view adaptation in terms of the evolution of systems of values, rules, and knowledge. This helps broaden the perspective on adaptation away from inappropriately narrow framings of decision problems and helps them understand the importance of uncertainty and learning as integral parts of the adaptation process.

Wise, R. M., Fazey, I., Smith, M. S., Park, S. E., Eakin, H. C., Van Garderen, E. A., & Campbell, B. (2014). Reconceptualising adaptation to climate change as part of pathways of change and response. Global Environmental Change, 28, 325-336.