Great Adaptations: In the shadow of a climate crisis

In ten captivating and illustrated chapters, Morgan Phillips explores stories of adaptation to climate change, highlighting the positive, negative, and ugly adaptations that must be avoided. It is a call to action that emphasizes the need for ecologically restorative and socially just adaptations and examines how adaptation is framed, unpicks the contested notion of Deep Adaptation, explores the potential of Transformative Adaptation, and questions the legitimacy of mainstream climate discourse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Arkbound

Across ten captivating and beautifully illustrated chapters, Morgan Phillips delves into the realm of adaptation, encompassing a diverse range of stories from the air-conditioned pavements of Doha to the feral camels of Australia, and from the 'cool rooms of Paris to the 'fog catchers of Morocco. These lesser-known tales of adaptation to climate change offer a profound insight into the multifaceted spectrum of responses to this global challenge. They serve as a source of inspiration for future positive adaptations, while also serving as forewarnings of maladaptations that must be avoided. Great Adaptations serves as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptations that are ecologically restorative and socially just. It delves into the framing of adaptation, challenges the notion of Deep Adaptation, explores the potential of Transformative Adaptation, and critically examines the dominance of 'reassuring stories' in mainstream climate discourse. The book is characterized by its conversational tone, provocation, engagement, and visually arresting nature, making it a tactile, pocket-sized, and highly shareable object.

Introduction:
Climate change poses unprecedented challenges to our planet, requiring us to adapt in innovative and sustainable ways. In this book, Morgan Phillips takes readers on a journey through ten captivating and beautifully illustrated chapters, exploring the diverse stories of adaptation across different regions and contexts. These stories range from the air-conditioned pavements of Doha to the feral camels of Australia, from the 'cool rooms of Paris to the 'fog catchers of Morocco. By highlighting these lesser-told tales, Phillips aims to shed light on the multifaceted spectrum of responses to climate change and inspire positive adaptations for the future.

Lesser-Told Stories:
Through his storytelling, Phillips highlights the lesser-known stories of adaptation to climate change. These stories encompass a wide range of experiences, from the successful efforts of individuals and communities to adapt to changing conditions to the challenges and failures that have arisen. By examining these diverse narratives, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges associated with adaptation.

Inspirations for Positive Adaptations:
The stories presented in this book offer valuable insights into the potential for positive adaptations to climate change. They showcase the resilience and creativity of human beings in responding to environmental challenges. These stories serve as a source of inspiration for individuals, communities, and policymakers to develop innovative solutions and strategies for adapting to the changing climate.

Forewarnings of Maladaptations:
However, it is important to note that not all adaptations are successful or sustainable. Some adaptations may have negative consequences for the environment, society, or human well-being. Phillips cautions readers against falling into the trap of complacency and encourages them to consider the long-term impacts of their adaptations.

Call to Action:
Great Adaptations serves as a call to action, emphasizing the need for adaptations that are ecologically restorative and socially just. It challenges the notion that adaptation is solely a technical or environmental problem and recognizes the importance of considering social and economic factors in adaptation planning. The book encourages readers to adopt a holistic and integrated approach to adaptation, considering the needs and perspectives of diverse stakeholders.

Framing of Adaptation:
Phillips delves into the framing of adaptation, examining how it is perceived and interpreted by different stakeholders. He challenges the dominant narrative that adaptation is a burden or a sacrifice and highlights the opportunities and benefits that adaptation can bring. By challenging the framing of adaptation, the book encourages a more positive and proactive approach to adaptation planning.

Deep Adaptation:
The book also explores the contested notion of Deep Adaptation, which suggests that some communities and ecosystems may need to adapt to climate change on a fundamental level, potentially leading to significant changes in their way of life. Phillips examines the potential benefits and risks of Deep Adaptation and encourages readers to consider a range of adaptation strategies, including both short-term and long-term measures.

Transformative Adaptation:
In addition to Deep Adaptation, the book explores the potential of Transformative Adaptation, which aims to create sustainable and resilient communities that are better equipped to adapt to climate change. Phillips examines the strategies and practices that can support Transformative Adaptation, including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and urban planning.

Questioning the Legitimacy of Mainstream Climate Discourse:
Finally, Great Adaptations questions the legitimacy of the 'reassuring stories' that still dominate mainstream climate discourse. It challenges the notion that climate change is a distant threat or a problem that can be solved by technological solutions alone. The book encourages readers to critically evaluate the information they receive about climate change and to seek out diverse perspectives and voices.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, Great Adaptations is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of adaptation to climate change. Through its captivating storytelling and insightful analysis, the book provides a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the diverse range of adaptations that are taking place around the world. By inspiring positive adaptations and challenging maladaptations, Great Adaptations contributes to the ongoing conversation about climate change and its impact on our planet.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 125 x 171 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781912092147