Abstract
Climate change is one of the greatest challenges human society is facing. The patterns of climate-related hazards, such as extreme precipitation events and droughts, are changing; and they are expected to continue increasing in frequency and magnitude. The society future is uncertain, and for complex problems, such as climate change, incremental responses, while useful, have not been nor will they suffice. Therefore, incremental responses must be complemented by transformational ones as deeper changes in society are required. This study informs transformation theory and practice, by unfolding the current transformational responses to drought and extreme precipitation impacts in Chile, to be useful for thinking in a transformed future. The overarching research method is case study, in Atacama for extreme precipitation events and in Aconcagua Valley for extreme droughts in Chile. A multi-method approach is used, including literature and document review, observation, and interviews (51 interviews conducted during 2022 and 2023). Results show a greater amount of incremental adaptation practices, with only a few transformational ones. Some examples are collective initiatives that have emerged from the grassroots as a response to climate change and environmental degradation impacts in a context of structural inequity present in Chilean society. Some other transformational practices are focused on changing the normative related for example to rural water organizations. Studying the transformational approach through a critical lens reveals its potential to be a useful approach in specific contexts, to escalate this to other contexts, and in turn this study informs practice and policy.
Presenters
Paulina AldunceProfessor, Environmental Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources, University of Chile, Chile Fernanda Haverbeck Flores
Independent Researcher, Universidad de Chile, Chile
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Technical, Political, and Social Responses
KEYWORDS
Climate Change; Transformation; Transformative action; Drought; Extreme precipitation; Chile
