Driving Sustainable Adaptation Through Community Engagement: A Social Adaptive Capacity Tool for Climate Policy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Existing studies on adaptive capacity often focus on isolated theoretical aspects of the concept, without offering practical tools for climate policy. Moreover, gaps remain in integrating public participation into adaptation strategies and in extending research beyond specific climate-related threats, such as flooding. Current climate adaptation plans usually rely on public statistics, which are not accurate enough to reflect adaptive capacity at the local level. Improving such plans requires incorporating local knowledge and adequately addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. This article proposes a survey-based tool for measuring social adaptive capacity, providing policymakers with detailed insights into a community’s ability to cope with climate change. The tool was tested while developing a climate adaptation plan for a medium-sized city in Poland. A total of 238 responses were analysed, applying basic and non-parametric statistical methods across four key variables: risk perception of climate change, perceived adaptive capacity, adaptation motivation, and adaptation behaviour. Findings revealed that residents were aware of climate change and believed in the necessity of adaptation. To translate this awareness into sustainable action, local authorities should raise individual responsibility, offer technical and financial guidance, provide various forms of financial assistance, and strengthen social capital, which could increase participation in grassroots initiatives.
Source: Sustainability
DOI: 10.3390/su17219361
Institution: Warsaw University of Technology
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: Politechnika Warszawska
OpenAlex ID: W4415412384