Climate change and the language of geographic place

Abstract

This chapter describes a process of human geographic issue management, which is based on implementing a grassroots movement, to address climate change. Most climate change adaptation initiatives are driven from the top down. Yet, it is universally agreed that adaptation to climate change is local and place-based. It is essential to honor the local cultural and social norms in any initiative. Knowledge at the local level can be incorporated into a climate change adaptation plan. Such knowledge can be aggregated upwards to higher geographic scales. This process empowers citizens and supports citizen-based stewardship, which is the key for adapting to climate change and achieving sustainability.