Perceptions of climate change on the Island of Chiloé: Challenges for local governance

Abstract

Chiloé is an island in the south of Chile that presents multiple issues associated with the nonsustainable use of natural resources and high levels of poverty and inequality. Using qualitative methods, this article explores how keys stakeholders are perceiving and responding to climate change in such a complex social and environmental context. Results show this phenomenon is perceived as an emergent issue, whose social and environmental impacts are already happening. Generally individual responses are implemented, prevailing power asymmetries and competition over cooperation, coordination and exchange of experiences between stakeholders. A climate change governance system for the island should deal not only with institutional barriers but also promote social and cultural transformations.