Normative principles for adaptation to climate change policy design and governance

Abstract

Recognising climate change as a highly complicated and basically unstructured problem, the purpose of this paper is to suggest a theoretical frame supplemented with practical elements for adaptation to climate change policy design in the context of the requirements of sustainable development normative principles and criteria. The paper attempts to break the business-as-usual approach to policy design and decision-making practice concerning complicated and unstructured problems. The first recommendation for achieving that purpose is the application of a systemic and analytical approach to the elaboration process of adaptation policy, required by the United Nations’ Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and reflecting the systemic nature of climate systems and climate change. The second recommendation touches on sustainable development principles, as well as appropriate criteria to be taken into account when proceeding from one policy cycle stage to another. Analysis of experiences from international and Latvian climate change and adaptation policy led to the conclusion of the necessity for a more systemic approach to exploring and managing the risks and benefits related to climate change. It also concluded that an adequate database should be established for assessing socio-economic effects and improving the system of forecast models, including systems related to natural ecosystems and human welfare. Addressing adaptation to climate change from the social dimension and emphasising the national (state) level as the foundation for resolving the issue in a systemic way (minimising risks and maximising benefits), the paper suggests a new approach for practical analysis and preparation of a set of policies employing cause and effect cognition.