Limited room For manoeuvre - Climate Change Adaptation and Development: Transforming Paradigms and Practices - page 269

dimensions which limit their room for manoeuvre in adapting to changes. We
have argued from a poverty alleviation perspective, and from a rights-based
perspective. The concept of 'room for manoeuvre' can also be applied on a
larger scale. Although the effects of climate change may be the most severe for
indigenous peoples and others with land-based livelihood strategies living in
highly vulnerable ecosystems, they will ultimately affect all of humanity. As we
struggle to adapt our responses to the changes that are already happening and to
prepare for those that are predicted, it would be wise to recognize the value of the
myriad of human adaptive strategies - knowledge, skills, means of transmission,
economies, social structures - that have been honed in local environments
over centuries. Failure to allow for these strategies to develop is tantamount to
limiting our own room for manoeuvre when adapting to changing conditions on
the planet that we all share. The world needs approaches to climate change and
to 'development' that are viewed, not as unidirectional aid, but as a collaborative
exercise focused on improving the wellbeing of all peoples, and recognizing the
value of the diversity of human knowledge, culture and adaptive strategies in a
rapidly-changing world.
note
1 The IPCC's Fourth Assessment Report (IPCC 2007) points out that there are
'sharp differences across regions and those in the weakest economic position are
often the most vulnerable to climate change and are frequently the most susceptible
to climate-related damages, especially when they face multiple stresses. There is
increasing evidence of greater vulnerability of specific groups.'
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