Transformative adaptation and implications for transdisciplinary climate change research

Abstract

The severity of the climate challenge requires a change in the climate response, from an incrementalto a more far-reaching and radical transformative one. There is also a need to avoid maladaptationwhereby responses to climate risk inadvertently reinforce vulnerability, exposure and risk for somesections of society. Innovative technological interventions are critical but enabling social,institutional and governance factors are the actual drivers of the transformative process. Bringingabout this transformation requires inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, and the embracing ofsocial equity. In this Perspective, we unpack what this means for agricultural research and, based onour collective experience, we map out a research agenda that weaves different research componentsinto a holistic and transformative one. We do not offer best practice, but rather reflections on howagricultural research can more readily contribute to transformative adaptation, along with thepersonal and practical challenges of designing and implementing such an agenda.

ClimBeR