Challenges for shared responsibility – Political and social framing of coastal protection transformation in the Maldives

There is widespread understanding that climate change has dramatic impacts especially for small islands. In the Maldives, a key challenge is to confront erosion processes along its coasts – past approaches have shown to not always be sustainable. Alternative approaches to coastal protection are therefore urgently needed. In this paper we use the concept of transformative governance to identify factors in society and politics that act as barriers and enablers to the introduction of alternative approaches to coastal protection in the Maldives. We investigate how inhabitants perceive coastal erosion risks and analyse people’s receptiveness to alternative coastal protection measures and their willingness to get involved in coastal protection. Governance structures are assessed against the context of conflicting central political, national and island peripherical interests. We identify hierarchical political structures in coastal protection governance as a dominant obstacle to alternative approaches. Based on empirical data collected in the research project DICES (Dealing with change in SIDS – societal action and political reaction in sea level change adaptation), we stress the importance of cultural aspects and sense of place when dealing with coastal protection. Further, we challenge the widespread assumption that people of the Maldives prefer hard coastal protection structures for their islands – a notion which is utilised by national politicians in their decision-making process to support the continuing application of hard protection measures. We discuss challenges to transformative governance related to shared responsibility, political power and openness to innovation

Considering the locals: coastal construction and destruction in times of climate change on Anjouan, Comoros

The current discussion of anticipated climate change impacts and future sea level rise is particularly relevant to small island states. An increase in natural hazards, such as floods and storm waves, is likely to have a devastating impact on small islands' coastlines, severely affecting targeted sustainable development. Coastal erosion, notably human-induced erosion, has been an ongoing threat to small island biodiversity, resources, infrastructure, and settlements, as well as society at large. In the context of climate change, the problem of coastal erosion and the debate surrounding it is gaining momentum. Before attributing associated impacts to climate change, current human activities need to be analysed, focusing not only on geomorphological and climatological aspects, but also on political and traditional cultural frameworks. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of the social-political-ecological systems analysis for adaptation strategies, and thus for future sustainable development. Coastal use is based on human constructs of the coast, as well as local perceptions and values ascribed to the coast. We use the case study of Anjouan, Comoros to differentiate between constructive and destructive practices on the coast, from both a mental and technical perspective. Beach erosion is described as more than a resource problem that manifests itself locally rather than nationally. Divergent political scales of interest impact future development as much as local action. Local action is not least framed by mental contribution and attribution of coasts as places for living, recreation and resource use. The present case study demonstrates that mental constructs of coasts as valuable areas can, in some cases, lead to the protection and preservation of beaches by initiatives of collective action. At the same time, local communities see the negative impacts of sand mining as causes of coastal erosion and, therefore, it is difficult to mobilize them to adapt to climate change and sea level rise

Challenging the current climate change – migration nexus: exploring migrants’ perceptions of climate change in the hosting country

Along with the growing scientific and political concern on global warming, the relationship of climate and migration is framed as cause and consequence. Alarmist numbers of mass migration and related conflicts currently represent the main scientific narratives merging the issue of migration and climate change. This paper takes a different and explorative perspective: it suggests that scientific discourses on migration and climate change should be reframed by taking into consideration the diverse ‘knowledges’ offered by migrants. Employing an experimentalist approach, we aim at filling this gap in research and introduce an empirical perspective on climate framings among Italian and Chinese citizens in the local context of the city of Hamburg (Germany). Qualitatively analysing semi-structured interviews, the paper conveys an in-depth analysis of how Italian and Chinese migrants frame climate change and, furthermore, explores philosophical backgrounds informing them. We start with a theoretical and methodological outline on undertaking research with migrants and then turn to an empirical analysis in which we examine and discuss four prevailing categories found in the course of our investigation. The final section summarises the results and reflects upon the methodological and theoretical approach applied which refers to the relevance of migrants as active actors in local adaptation and mitigation processes of the hosting country

More than just SIDS: local solutions for global problems on small islands

Small islands are often taken as poster children for climate change vulnerability, and their status as hotspots of climate change impacts has been widely acknowledged in the scientific literature. In many cases, however, individual studies as well as reviews and global assessments, generalise small islands as a whole—often with a strong focus on Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—and lack a thorough understanding of island specificity, relationality, and context dependency. Looking at small islands’ issues beyond SIDS implies the recognition of topics such as asymmetrical governance structures, archipelagic centre-periphery relationships, as well as intra- and inter-island movements in various types of island territories and geographies worldwide. This special thematic section of Island Studies Journal features contributions from the Atlantic, Indian, Pacific Ocean, and Caribbean dealing with the locally specific challenges and opportunities of adaptation to environmental and climate change

Blurring societal acceptance by lack of knowledge—insights from a German coastal population study on blue carbon

Within the context of climate change, coastal vegetated ecosystems have the capacity for long-term carbon storage. Blue carbon refers to such carbon trapped in the oceans and coastal shelf seas. These ecosystems are under anthropogenic pressure and, to help these ecosystems to thrive and realize their carbon storage potentials, interventions require acceptance from society, in general, and adjacent coastal communities, in particular. Through a random street survey along the German coasts in 2022, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from more than 200 participants. A questionnaire comprising 50 open and closed questions was designed to assess the status quo of German coastal residents’ norms and values concerning blue carbon ecosystems. Focus was put on nature conservation and climate change perceptions. The survey results reveal that most residents along the German coast valued nature conservation while idealizing nature that is seen as “untouched” by humans. Responses regarding active interventions to improve coastal ecosystem services were diverse. Blue carbon strategies are likely to operate within this area of tension. Most respondents were aware of climate change as a threat to their home region and were in favor of an increase in action against climate change there. The respondents were familiar with CO2 reduction and avoidance strategies. However, they were less aware of measures to remove atmospheric CO2 and the potential of storing CO2 in ecosystems beyond afforestation measures. Due to a lack of knowledge, no consolidated public opinions on blue carbon in coastal vegetated ecosystems could be identified, blurring societal acceptance of blue carbon strategies. While these ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to human disturbance, long-term carbon storage is essential for blue carbon. Therefore, the individual acceptance of interventions from people living in close proximity to intervention sites is key for sustained success. The present article concludes that there are possibilities to co-create knowledge and acceptance as prerequisites for blue carbon interventions to possibly become efficacious

Considering socio-political framings when analyzing coastal climate change effects can prevent maldevelopment on small islands

Adapting to climate change and sea level rise is challenging on small islands. False adaptation can lead to adverse impacts on natural and societal dynamics. Therefore, an interdisciplinary perspective on the interaction of natural dynamics, societal demands, and political decisions is crucial. In this sense, this study scrutinizes coastal processes and socio-political dimensions of erosion on the reef island Fuvahmulah, the Maldives. The national government and Fuvahmulah’s population have an opposed perception and attribution of the drivers and processes behind Fuvahmulah’s most pressing coastal issue – coastal erosion. To review these perceptions, natural dynamics are recreated with process-based methods and discussed regarding present and projected marine pressures. Population surveys and interviews with actors in coastal development complement the physical insights into erosion on Fuvahmulah and describe the socio-political dimension of climate change adaptation on small islands. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how small-islands’ adaptive capacities are typically impaired and disclose the potential of local knowledge to overcome maldevelopment

Risk Management and Adaptation for Extremes and Abrupt Changes in Climate and Oceans: Current Knowledge Gaps

Perspectives for risk management and adaptation have received ample attention in the recent IPCC Special Report on Changes in the Oceans and Cryosphere (SROCC). However, several knowledge gaps on the impacts of abrupt changes, cascading effects and compound extreme climatic events have been identified, and need further research. We focus on specific climate change risks identified in the SROCC report, namely: changes in tropical and extratropical cyclones; marine heatwaves; extreme ENSO events; and abrupt changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. Several of the socioeconomic impacts from these events are not yet well-understood, and the literature is also sparse on specific recommendations for integrated risk management and adaptation options to reduce such risks. Also, past research has mostly focussed on concepts that have seen little application to real-world cases. We discuss relevant research needs and priorities for improved social-ecological impact assessment related to these major physical changes in the climate and oceans. For example, harmonised approaches are needed to better understand impacts from compound events, and cascading impacts across systems. Such information is essential to inform options for adaptation, governance and decision-making. Finally, we highlight research needs for developing transformative adaptation options and their governance