Converging Threats: Driving Pressures for Adaptive Capacity

Abstract

Previous studies of adaptive capacity have shown the value in utilising past climate events to explore the experiences in mobilising adaptive and coping responses. The case events used in each case study area served as reference points of climate variability and as useful indications for the impact of extremes in a future, warmer climate. The exploration of past experiences in relation to climate related extreme events acted as a means to understand and assess adaptive capacity. This chapter details the extreme events used as focussing events for the exploration of adaptive capacity, as well as the attenuating management challenges which frame the context within which adaptive capacity must be mobilised. This chapter provides an in depth account of the focussing events, in the context of climate change impact projections, as based on interview data, archival data and primary research utilising meteorological and climate model data.