The social sciences, with their insights into social, economic and political realities, can shed light on the issues surrounding climate change in ways that science cannot do, said Judith Rees, director of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and Environment at the London School of Economics, UK.
“Science has to be put in its proper place,” said Prof. Rees, delivering a lecture on ‘Adaptation to Climate Change: Policy, Economics and Governance' at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) here on Friday.
The “science first” or “predict-then-act” model can fail to evaluate “real” adaptation options and is often top-down, she said, citing the example of the IPCC's (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) risk assessment.
Rather than starting with the science, Prof. Rees suggested that the analysis of climate change be approached with the problem — such as how many dwellings need to be built or what policies need to be drafted.
However, both scientists and social scientists will be evaluating the impact of climate change under “great uncertainty” — be they the ability of ecosystems to adapt, or behavioural responses, she said.
Global negotiations and debates on climate change focus essentially on measures to mitigate the problem or reduce emissions, largely neglecting adaptation strategies, Prof. Rees added.
“Adaptation is the Cinderella of the climate change business,” she said, likening it to an “insurance policy.” Adaptation helps meet the challenge of sustaining economic and social growth while dealing with climate change.
Adaptation policies needed to address several social sciences questions, Prof. Rees said. “Where and when should adaptation measured be taken up? Who pays adaptation costs?”
Adaptation “must not be just crisis management, it should be embedded in financial, economic development and social planning,” she added.
Prof. Rees' lecture was part of the IISc-UK Lecture series.
