Overview: Climate Change Adaptation in Rural and Resource-Dependent Communities

Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change will create a new decision environment for governments, both national and regional. In rural regions and small towns, which are already facing a wide range of social, economic, and environmental pressures, this challenge will be especially difficult because of lower capacities to adapt. There are, however, encouraging examples of rural regions and small communities that are finding innovative ways to create shared learning partnerships that could empower them to create their own response paths. While researchers offer new knowledge on future climate change impacts, local-based practitioners and knowledge holders provide insights on local systems and the importance of attachment to place. As rural regions and small towns begin to take on leadership roles in adaptation planning, researchers and higher levels of government can use their capacities to enable local adaptation as part of long-term development planning. Examples are provided from the literature, followed by five cases contributed to this volume.