Adapting to climate change is a critical problem facing humanity. This involves reconsidering our lifestyles, and is linked to our actions as individuals, societies and governments. This book presents top science and social science research on whether the world can adapt to climate change. Written by experts, both academics and practitioners, it examines the risks to ecosystems, demonstrating how values, culture and the constraining forces of governance act as barriers to action. As a review of science and a holistic assessment of adaptation options, it is essential reading for those concerned with responses to climate change, especially researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and graduate students. Significant features include historical, contemporary, and future insights into adaptation to climate change; coverage of adaptation issues from different perspectives: climate science, hydrology, engineering, ecology, economics, human geography, anthropology and political science; and contributions from leading researchers and practitioners from around the world.
Covers adaptation issues from an interdisciplinary perspective, creating an understanding of the multifaceted nature of the topic. Historical, contemporary, and future insights into the issue allow readers to examine how to implement adaptation actions at different timescales and contexts. Contributions from leading scientists from around the world provide a holistic assessment of the subject and the adaptation options currently available.
© 2010 Cambridge University Press
