Climate Adaptation: Accounts of Resilience, Self-Sufficiency and Systems Change

by The Arkbound Foundation (Editor), Renuka Thakore (Contributor), Morgan Phillips (Contributor)

This book takes an unflinching look at climate change, drawing upon the latest data to analyse what the next decades hold in store. With atmospheric CO2 at unprecedented levels and insufficient action being taken to prevent a rise in temperatures above 2 degrees centigrade, we are not just looking at significant disruption but the possibility of societal collapse. For the first time ever, the magnitude of this challenge is faced head on, with avenues to truly address it presented.
Case studies and models from 16 authors around the world show ways that we can build adaptation and resilience, as well as what ‘zero emissions’ really mean. The book also provides a platform for those from a range of diverse backgrounds, whose unique experience and knowledge brings vital new perspectives. From those already feeling the impacts of climate change in the Global South to community leaders fighting to create real alternatives, we get a chance to understand the nuances and possibilities of the task ahead.
- Perfectly timed for the Global UN summit on climate change in Glasgow (COP26)
- On trend with mounting publicity on this issue
- Presents an unflinching look at climate change and a unique stance on climate adaptation
- Features 16 authors with diverse backgrounds

Genres: Nonfiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2021

Reviews

[sophia papasouliotis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A timely release ahead of the Glasgow COP26 summit, Climate Adaptation is a determined view into the future of society and the planet we call home. Over the course of its 300-odd pages, topics including localisation, community action and structural transition provide an informative and necessary discussion of past, current, and future action. Climate Adaptation features a large collaboration of authors and environmentalists from diverse backgrounds and beliefs, providing distinct outlooks on the climate crisis.

There is no blanket, “one-size-fits-all” solution outlaid because the climate crisis is not an easy to solve, diagnosable problem. The daunting nature of societal collapse is discussed throughout the book however the authors discuss the absolute need to confront these worries with action- not the ‘ostrich mentality’ described in ‘Our Society’.

Throughout the book’s second part, ‘Impacts, Responses and Solutions’, the multiple authors bring to light real-life trials and triumphs against the climate crisis. With a specific focus on community-lead action and a powerful insight into the communities striving for change, readers can understand the steps taken across the globe and see the effects on the local people. The book’s last chapter (‘Dodo, Phoenix or Butterfly?’) examines the three possible futures of civilisation. This section provides a compelling explanation to the reader; adaptation is no longer optional- it is necessary.

The Arkbound Foundation provides a powerful, pertinent stance on resilience and change in the face of emergency. Unique expertise and knowledge allow the writers to provide key knowledge on subjects such as self-sufficiency in a way that is readable and understandable to almost all readers. Climate Adaptation is a noteworthy exploration of modern adaptations for the climate crisis, with almost unparalleled relevance and importance in our journey towards societal and ecological metamorphosis.

[Isadora Bastos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This volume is a gripping collection of accounts about change and sustainability, in which we also find a very comprehensive and approachable summary of of climate change and its effects not only at present, but their predictions for the future. It is written in accessible language, making sure that all who pick it up not only understand the explanations to the graphs and statistics presented, but are also pulled in with the promise of alternatives.

The book highlights the need of a radical societal change, not only on an individual level, but also on a governmental and communitary level, and makes it clear that the effects we are suffering today are a result of human actions in the name of capitalism and the current system of production and demand. The chapters range from warming oceans and tactics, such as seaweed farming, to help prevent further catastrophic effects to community currencies, which inspire us to understand money differently. I also found it very refreshing, to read texts written in academic form alongside more passionate texts, that evoke the need for immediate action. It was the perfect balance and all texts were extremely informative and realistic about the future we are facing.

Overall, the book demands societal change and makes clear, well-explained connections between social inequalities and the top-to-bottom approach governments have to this issue and the consequences we are experiencing and will experience in the near future. It presents us with several techniques to better our communities and reduce our impacts, it speaks openly about industrial scale farming of livestock and how harmful it is to the environment and its solutions range from Brazil to Nepal, inviting those who will be most affected by these changes to speak up and bring their suggestions and solutions to the table.

[Beth Cowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The worldwide climate emergency is now permanently in our public discourse but, frustratingly, there is comparatively little action being taken by the authorities which govern us. As a result, the climate crisis comes hand in hand with a sense of hopelessness. Yet, ‘Climate Adaptations’ fills a much needed void, bringing together proactive voices with actual solutions. The collection, from eighteen experienced and knowledgable contributors of various backgrounds, reveals tried methods of adaptation and constructive bottom-up reevaluations of how we should view not just climate change but society.

This is not a step-by-step guide to recycling your cardboard waste but an entire reassessment of how we can approach the ideology and practicalities of the climate crisis – empowering communities. Yet this all comes in a palatable and easy to understand package. You don’t need to be a scientist or sociologist to understand the ideas presented by this collection. It will open your eyes and broaden your mind one chapter at a time and there are real life experiences that show idea as reality.

It should also be noted that this book has been carried from conception to publication by a charity publishers, a non-profit organisation that seeks only to build resilience and find solutions for those that would be, and already are, most adversely impacted by the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change. Published in time with the COP26 climate summit, this collection makes an important contribution to environmental literature and I would highly recommend adding this to your reading list.

[Chloe Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the expertise of sixteen authors worldwide, Climate Adaption presents something of a rarity: a way to move forward. While certainly not shying away from the serious nature of what awaits us, this book presents the strengths of developing our society in a resilient and diverse way.

As a twenty-year-old, climate fatigue is something I’m no stranger to. The efforts of global leaders, movements such as COP26, and politicians have failed us. Global temperatures continue to rise, humanity and species continue to suffer, and habitats that were once a haven are becoming toxic, bleached, and barren. This book provides hope for the many like me who feel helpless and unaccounted for in places of power.

Personal accounts, alongside the latest available data and studies, provide an enriching reading experience that equips the reader with a full understanding of the disastrous events we can expect.

Climate Adaption is an important read, one that I’d recommend to anybody. We are all part of this world, and we must all want to learn how to protect it. This book additionally provides a platform for those from diverse backgrounds to have their voice heard, and what they have to say provides essential tools for building a better future for all.

This book tells us that we must redefine our relationship with the world, and- importantly- we must work together in our efforts. Humanity’s assumption that the world is our oyster can hold no longer once the ocean’s life is drained. Our place is part of the world rather than above it. This knowledge is powerful. It can lead to a global effort that will protect what is left.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is jam-packed with different perspectives on climate change, each detailing stories and science on a minute level which is absorbing and interesting to read. One can imagine it lining a number of Christmas stockings this year, having something for everyone. This is because, by hearing from so many voices, the book provides expert information on an array of topics such as overfishing, economies and adaptation without sacrificing the quality or depth of writing. The chapters would not be out of place in a classroom and I hope that the book may find its way into some. I was struck by Karen Scott’s reflection:

‘I’m learning to see and hold in my heart both destruction and regeneration happening at the same time. I’m learning to remember that it’s both/and, not either/or.’

This grappling between acceptance and growth is what the authors interrogate from personal and professional experience successfully, perhaps because climate change scares and eludes both reader and writer. Because of this openness, the reader is left with hope; the book provides a fresh and brave perspective on climate change.

[Rita A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed by this book. I think it's the first one i've read about climate change that presents all the science in an accessible ways as well as real accounts from people who have actually experienced the effects, from around the world. Far too often it seems there is some privileged writer based in North America or Europe who may have travelled to some locations and then thought they had all the knowledge to present some grand picture of a new world. Instead what this book does is show the views, ideas and experiences of those who have actually 'walked the talk', from many different countries and positions. It did a good job conveying different philosophies too, especially those rooted in respect for the natural world - and what that really means.
One of those books I could read more than once, and refer to. An easy 5 stars.

[Love Hansell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a time where there is too much focus on only addressing surface phenomena, without an honest look at systemic causes, this is a very much needed perspective on the current climate crisis and a good guide on how to conceptualise it. Well-written, carefully edited with important perspectives and messages that are crucial to understanding and acting in our times. An excellent guide to understanding the climate crisis since it adresses the need for systemic change, climate justice, and thinking of the global north/global south divide. Good for laymen and academics alike, this kind of book is needed and will inspire to action.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is an impactful message in this book; especially towards those who adorn the planet and especially care for the simplistic tendencies of human destruction – the display of how corrupt our society is. How reckless and careless humankind is; the pure aggression of disregard, especially towards the planet’s entirety. The book explores the dire situated expression of conflict between humans and their home; the dismissive behaviours a vast majority will withhold due to their lack of concern – the book indulges within specific attributions of the dangers towards the harm directed towards Earth and her inhabitants. There’s a variety of factual information that will emphasise the concerns that outline risks of continuance; refusing to acknowledge the world’s safety. There’s persuasive context that describe the sacrifices humans make – sacrifices that revolve around how humans practically destroy one life for their another; specifically, their own. The book itself is successful with creating imagery of distress and anguish for those creatures that are initially extinct, which is covered by the book itself. There’s a variety of information that expresses the dangers of how the Earth won’t essentially make it very far without change. The book describes the options given, such as doing nothing or actually tunnelling through to make an impact. One person isn’t enough to create a dent in these problems that we face, and it’s established that humans themselves are the ones of practical destruction; no other species has wrought such pain to a place of refuge.

The book itself is practically flawless, with a vast majority of topics that are covered in the uttermost of detail. However, I would’ve liked to see more of the conceptions directed towards the destruction of ecosystems and habitats, of which are affiliated with the mass destruction of human touch; furthermore, I believe it to be a persuasive method of preventing further damage to places of innocuous standing. Places without defences; factors of knowing that these innocent beings are being slaughtered because of human touch – I believe it to be a subject that should have been discussed further within the book, though there was an excellent presentation of crucial topics that must be resolved.

There’s a direct and immediate tone to the book; it’s formal and expressive with points that are impactful to a reader. There’s a structure of revelation due to the fact that the information given is surprisingly unknown to a vast majority of Earth’s inhabitants, which shows just how oblivious a majority of people are. There’s expressive entities that allow for a tone of genuine entirety – the reader will be sure to grasp the concept of the dire consequences of their actions. The usage of specific phrases and factual evidence initially suggests that the reader has the opportunity to make a difference, and it allows for a guilty conscience to become clean from acting appropriately. The book uses specific devices and suggestive phrases to impact the reader with an understanding of the fatality of their actions; the emotion of fear for their planet and epiphany that they are not superior, but in fact a probable menace.

Overall, there is a strong understanding and reflection on the book itself – how topics of human idiocy are affecting the conception of our home and society – a home we in fact share as a whole. The book allows for a genuine regard for the planet, and emphasises the problems that we face. It’s a good ideal for those concerned for their planet, and furthermore those whom wish to prevent further damage. There’s a lot to unpack within the pages of pristine entities; a pure concept of wanting to protect our home. It’s a true concern of what we’ve done, and the book effortlessly covers what has occurred between the times of now and the future; the past. It’s recommended for most whom desire to make an impact, and allow for changes to occur.

[Woody · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Climate Adaptation” is a book majorly contributed to by more than 20 climate scientists and activists, looking at many aspects of climate change, and comparing them to the past world, and what we expect to see in the future of our planet.

What I appreciate about this book is the fact that it doesn’t just start out with one opinion and go on to try and prove it. In fact, the entire first section is all about: ‘Where are we now, how did we get here, and what lies ahead?’ This really gives the book an interesting beginning, as it clears up a lot of common misconceptions about climate change being better - and worse - than it currently is. Not knowing how bad the true scale is a worrying thing lately, and I felt a lot more informed after reading this.

The next section of the book - ‘Impacts, Responses and Solutions’ - talks about how even remote villages in Nepal are affected for the worse. This upsettingly emphasises that we are not the only ones suffering from our greed and selfishness, but people all over the globe are struggling to survive, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere don’t just cause a hotter temperature; this affects so many other factors. For example, there have been higher rates of insects and parasites than ever before, which are finally able to survive in higher altitudes and destroy food sources of which village people depend on for survival.

A section I especially enjoyed reading from chapter 2 was the ‘Earth Rejuvenation’ part. It was slightly jaw-dropping looking at the comparisons from before the industrial revolution, without earth being covered with machines, to looking at modern-day, where it is difficult to go for 5 minutes in the countryside without seeing a sign of human civilization.

Finally, the last paragraph takes a deeper, more psychological look at climate change, studying the link of how the state of the world around us affects human behaviour on a global scale. This chapter also contains detailed views into the founding and longevity of ‘Eco-villages’, created to build a community around protecting and replenishing the environment.

[Elsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Climate Adaptation is the result of a gargantuan effort from a community passionate about the topic at hand. Written with clarity and confidence, this book is a highly nuanced and holistic interrogation of climate change and the measures needed to mitigate the damage already caused. Upon the foundation of strong empathy, there lies a sense of collectivism in this work that extends beyond humanity itself to the multitude of spheres within nature that are often overlooked and, without a keen eye, may seem irrelevant. Interesting conversations about allyship and intersectionality are woven throughout a comprehensive narrative rich with social, political, geographical and scientific perspectives.

[Darma · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Who is an intellectual and what is intellectualism for?”

This timely publication of voices from different corners of the world calls for urgency amidst a climate crisis, a pandemic, and global trade bottlenecks. It is a pragmatic message for all stakeholders to reconstruct present world views and to think beyond what is generally taught in mainstream education systems. This collection details transdisciplinary issues that are clearly spelt out for the reader to absorb. Indeed, this book is for anyone who wants to become an agent of meaningful change when the situation calls for it.