The Palgrave Handbook of Climate Resilient Societies

Climate change is causing rising temperatures, changing precipitation levels, more frequent and severe storms, and longer and more intensive droughts. Society in all countries needs to increase its resilience to the impacts of climate change, which is the ability of a system to absorb stresses and adapt in ways that improve the overall sustainability of the system. A climate resilient society is one that is reflective, robust, forward-thinking, flexible, resourceful, inclusive, and integrated. The Climate Resilient Societies Major Reference Work includes chapters covering a range of themes that provide readers with an overview of how various levels of government have attempted to create climate resilient societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 2311 pages
Publication date: 04 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Climate change is already having a significant impact on the world, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, more frequent and severe storms, and longer and more intense droughts posing a threat to human life, livelihoods, property, and infrastructure. As a result, societies in both developing and developed countries need to enhance their resilience to the impacts of climate change, where resilience refers to a system's ability to absorb stresses and adapt in ways that promote its overall sustainability and better prepare it for future climate change impacts.

In this context, a climate resilient society is characterized by several key attributes. It is reflective, meaning that it learns from its experiences and uses those lessons to inform its actions and decisions. It is robust, enabling both people and infrastructure to withstand the impacts of extreme conditions. It is forward-thinking, with plans in place to ensure that systems function during extreme events. It is flexible, allowing systems and plans to change, evolve, or adopt alternative strategies as needed. It is resourceful, enabling quick responses to extreme events. It is inclusive, involving all communities, including those that are vulnerable, in planning and decision-making processes. It is also integrated, with people, systems, decision-making, and investments working together towards common goals.

The Climate Resilient Societies Major Reference Work provides a comprehensive overview of how governments at various levels have attempted to create climate resilient societies. Each chapter in the book focuses on a specific theme, such as innovative climate resilient policies, governance structures, or community engagement strategies. Within each chapter, the authors explore how governments in non-OECD and/or OECD countries have implemented innovative climate resilient policies that seek synergies across strategies, choices, and actions. These policies aim to build a climate resilient society that is able to adapt to the changing climate while promoting sustainable development and social well-being.

By understanding the principles and practices of climate resilient societies, policymakers, communities, and individuals can take steps to enhance their resilience and contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient future. This includes implementing climate adaptation measures, promoting renewable energy sources, improving infrastructure resilience, and fostering community engagement and participation in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts.

In conclusion, climate change is a global challenge that requires urgent action. By enhancing our resilience to the impacts of climate change, we can better prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and create a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. The Climate Resilient Societies Major Reference Work provides valuable insights and examples of how governments and communities can work together to build climate resilient societies and achieve sustainable development.

Weight: 4792g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030424619
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021