Climate Adaptation as Evolvability
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Standard approaches to climate adaptation, commonly understood as the protection of infrastructure, social systems, and ecosystems from adverse climate impacts,are too closely tied to the biological concept of adaptation and the ecological notion of stability. Instead, we argue that climate adaptation is better articulated by analogy to the concept of evolvability. Adaptation thus understood emphasizes the need for internal capacities of restoration and self-maintenance, preserves flexibility and options for the future, addresses the social, political, and psychological impacts of climate change, and promotes transboundary strategies.
Source: SocArXiv (OSF Preprints)
Language: English
Subfield: Global and Planetary Change
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Climate action
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7202010958