An action theory of adaptation to climate change

The paper presents an action theory to analyse adaptation to climate change. It provides hypotheses on barriers to adaptation and a framework to analyse them. It clarifies what is meant by „adaptation measures“ and critically reflects on established concepts. Currently, many observers indicate substantial barriers to cope with the impacts of climate change. However, the often incoherent use of terms like autonomous and planned adaptation seems to be of little help here. There are no established methods that enable for operationalizing research on human or social adaptation. The action theory of adaptation intends to allow for rigorously clarifying the notion of adaptation in each specific research context, and delivers a template for hypothesizing on adaptation. The argument is developed by framing adaptation as an individual or collective action, and by building on established analyses of (social) action. To represent the bio-physical counterpart of adaptation, concepts from the DPSIR framework are used. The exposition of the concepts is underpinned by case examples. We conclude that basic components of the theory are (collective) actors, means and ends of adaptation. Ends may be targeted at socio-economic or bio-physical units that are exposed to climate change, but also at other receptors. The theory highlights that climate change affects many actors in different ways, and that their reactions are strongly interlinked. Actions tend to come in means-ends-chains. For understanding adaptation, it is necessary to address these interlinkages. Important barriers are caused by (1) a mismatch of the means that are necessary for an adaptation, that are available, and that are actually employed; (2) externalities and high transaction costs due to the interlinked actors, receptors and units that are exposed to climate change

A board game for interdisciplinary training and dialogue

The paper reports on the design and educational use of a board game on climate change which covers central bio-physical, economic and political aspects of the issue. By using a board game as common language between students and scientists from different scientific cultures, knowledge of different disciplines can be integrated and different views can be discussed. Familiarity with a particular jargon is not needed, but can develop through playing and debriefing the game. Already in the game design phase scientists from climatology, economy, political science and modelling as well as integration experts were involved. It includes (i) a simple climate module accounting for greenhouse gases, global mean temperature and climate impacts, (ii) an economic growth and innovation module which allows switching between energy technologies, and (iii) a political network with international coalitions and trans-national actors. Thus, even complex issues as the free rider problem, trade-offs between adaptation and mitigation of climate change and pathdependencies can be studied. The game is called KEEP COOL and is readily available for educational use from a publisher. The experience with the game indicates that it can be effectively used in training seminars with students. This contribution also shows some pitfalls and essential instruments for its adequate use

Avenues of archetype analysis: roots, achievements, and next steps in sustainability research

Recent years have seen a proliferation of studies that use archetype analysis to better understand and to foster transitions toward sustainability. This growing literature reveals a common methodological ground, as well as a variety of perspectives and practices. In this paper, we provide an historical overview of the roots of archetype analysis from ancient philosophy to recent sustainability science. We thereby derive core features of the archetype approach, which we frame by eight propositions. We then introduce the Special Feature, “Archetype Analysis in Sustainability Research,” which offers a consolidated understanding of the approach, a portfolio of methods, and quality criteria, as well as cutting-edge applications. By reflecting on the Special Feature’s empirical and methodological contributions, we hope that the showcased advances, exemplary applications, and conceptual clarifications will help to design future research that contributes to collaborative learning on archetypical patterns leading toward sustainability. The paper concludes with an outlook highlighting central directions for the next wave of archetype analyses

Wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Ansätze zur Gestaltung von Wandlungsprozessen

Nachhaltige Entwicklung kann nur durch einen gesellschaftlichen Wandel umgesetzt werden. Im Zentrum dieses Wandels steht eine grundlegende Transformation der aktuellen Wirtschaftsweise. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt auf, welche Forschungsthemen, sowohl für die gesamt- als auch die einzelwirtschaftliche Ebene, von fundamentaler Bedeutung sind

Vom Bottom-up in der Theorie zum Top-down in der Praxis

Bei den internationalen Verhandlungen spielt neben Klimaschutz zunehmend auch die Anpassung an unvermeidlich gewordene Klimaveränderungen eine wichtige Rolle. Zentrale Themen sind hierbei die Finanzierung von Anpassungsmaßnahmen und Institutionen zur Umsetzung von Adaptationspolitik

Chancen und Risiken des Klimawandels: Wie angepasst sind Unternehmen?

Einführung in das Schwerpunktthem

Wie passt sich die Versorgungswirtschaft an?

Verkehrs- und Energieinfrastruktur erfüllen zentrale gesellschaftliche und wirtschaftliche Funktionen. Diese sollten auch unter veränderten klimatischen Bedingungen aufrechterhalten werden. Welche Herausforderungen bringt die Anpassung an den Klimawandel in diesem Sektor mit sich