Before delving into the topic of transformative adaptation, I would like to acknowledge that while I hold strong convictions in this area, there remains much for me to learn. I am open to expanding my insights and creating a space that welcomes diverse viewpoints — a discussion to be had. I challenge us all to enter this discussion with acceptance of all the knowledge we do not possess, with humility and humanity toward ourselves, everyone, and everything. I think it is important to enter into this space with our sense of humanity intact.
There is something that has been stuck in my head for days, “our humanity is determined by how we treat each other, not by how much we agree” (Huston, 2021). It is an apt reminder that what we are up against, we are up against together. That sentiment vividly brings to mind the vision of my children riding their bikes down our street. As they ride, they greet everyone — everyone — we pass with the enthusiasm unique to four- and six-year-olds. And with every hello, we all collectively smile — especially the adults. We are all, in that moment, connected. Those hellos, those connections, are not contingent upon political views or values. Because that is not how humanity is determined. We are connected in that moment and, even though it is invisible sometimes, in every moment. As concisely described by George Monbiot (2021), “We know that our lives are entirely dependent on complex natural systems: the atmosphere, ocean currents, the soil, the planet’s webs of life”. Every single one of us, together. We are all dependent on the Earth for our survival, for food, water, and shelter. We are all, collectively, dependent on each other.
“We are connected in that moment and, even though it is invisible sometimes, in every moment”
This connection underscores transformative adaptation. In the simplest terms, transformative adaptation is changing the system to reduce baked-in injustices. Fedele et al. (2019) explains it more comprehensively as, “changes that fundamentally alter the entire system’s ecological and/or social properties and functions. It aims to reduce the root causes of vulnerabilities to climate change” (p. 116). Transformative adaptation often arises in two ways, as forced by circumstance or as a proactive approach driven by anticipated circumstances (Pelling et al., 2013). For instance, fleeing from your flooded, waterside home versus relocating prior to flooding due to sea level rise projections. It may make more sense to think of transformative adaptation in contrast to ‘coping’ or ‘incremental adaptation’. The former a reactionary response to impacts that have happened (coping with the impacts), and the latter a more anticipatory response that incorporates small-scale (incremental) changes to build resilience to protect the status quo or business-as-usual (Fedele et al., 2019). In essence, coping and incremental adaptation accepts the underlying assumptions of existing systems while transformative adaptation “involve(s) direct questioning of the effectiveness of existing systems, social injustices, and power imbalances” (UNDP, 2023). The connection of all humanity is underscored by questioning the existing systems and asking, who do they benefit? If the answer isn’t everyone, should our reaction not be, to at least consider, transforming it?
That is not to say there is not a place for coping and incrementalism, those may be adequate for particular situations. But what we need is a mindset shift, at least a consideration of transformation that is as much a knee-jerk reaction as preserving the status quo. In a wicked problem such as climate change, our guiding principle should not be to maintain or preserve, it should be to transform and improve. To draw from the insights of George Monbiot (2021) yet again, “I’m not saying the small things don’t matter. I’m saying they should not matter to the exclusion of things that matter more. Every little counts. But not for very much”. Incremental change tends to focus on protecting the accomplishments of the past in the present or nearer term (Boon et al., 2021), but in our changing climate and world, preserving the past is often not a responsible goal. Once incremental interventions exceed their limits or are anticipated to do so, it becomes necessary to shift our focus from preservation to transformation (Boon et al., 2021). This transformation does not occur in a silo, or solely at an individual level. Of course, individual actions and decisions do matter, but the involvement of policy-makers and decision-makers is essential (Fedele et al., 2019) and involves collaboration between the public, professionals, and diverse stakeholders (Boon et al., 2021). We are dealing with a problem that impacts us all, every single one of us, albeit some more obviously than others. It only makes sense that the solution should strive to consider everyone equally and mitigate systemic vulnerabilities.
“I’m not saying the small things don’t matter. I’m saying they should not matter to the exclusion of things that matter more. Every little counts. But not for very much”
– George Monbiot (2021)
Incorporating transformative adaptation into our consideration and conversation is no simple task and involves numerous obstacles, much like many courageous and innovative moments throughout history. The usual culprits are at play, such as time, money, power differences, aligning competing interests, and preserving the status quo (Fedele et al., 2019). But honestly, I could use at least three of those same excuses right now to prevent myself from exercising today but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do it. My intention is not to make light of such serious topic and the very real barriers, but to make it a discussion. I don’t want those of us with opposing viewpoints to be lost in our own echo chambers and excuses, feeling removed enough to forget our connection. The solution doesn’t exist in that space. Instead, we need “safe-spaces to question current dominant values, power, knowledge systems” (Fedele et al., 2019). We need to talk. We need to listen. We need to remember that we are all dependent on each other and dependent on this Earth. Not one of us has all the answers or the ability to change it all on our own, but I do suspect that the majority of us would be open to systemic changes to protect our children’s futures and reduce injustices and suffering.
References
Boon, E., Goosen, H., van Veldhoven, F., & Swart, R. (2021). Does transformational adaptation require a transformation of climate services? Frontiers in Climate, 3. https://doi.org/10.3389/fclim.2021.615291
Fedele, G., Donatti, C. I., Harvey, C. A., Hannah, L., & Hole, D. G. (2019). Transformative adaptation to climate change for sustainable social-ecological systems. Environmental Science and Policy, 101, 116-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2019.07.001
Huston, M. (2021, January 14). 11 tips for talking to someone you disagree with. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/brave-talk/202101/11-tips-talking-someone-you-disagree
Monbiot, G. (2021, October 30). Capitalism is killing he planet — it’s time to stop buying into our own destruction. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/30/capitalism-is-killing-the-planet-its-time-to-stop-buying-into-our-own-destruction
Pelling, M., O’Brien, K., & Matyas, D. (2013). Adaptation and transformation. Climactic Change, 133, 113-127. https://10.1007/s10584-014-1303-0
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023). Transformative systems change. https://www.adaptation-undp.org/scala-transformative-systems-change