LIVING WITH CLIMATE CHANGE

We cannot abscond from the up-shots of earlier unsustainable lifestyles that we inherited; we can only learn to live with it. Climate change interalia is one of the laconic outcomes. Accepting that the climate is not as it used to be that is “the climate is changing or has changed”, is the first action to putting up with climate change. Change in any form brings about survival and climate change cannot be excluded. The doctrine of living with climate change must be embraced as rule. Living with climate change is a possibility, a welcomed philosophy that is accepted internationally and practiced consciously or unconsciously at local and household levels. Adaptation is an initiative of living or existing with climate change while addressing its consequences and impacts.                                                                        

The aftermath of prior unsustainable living gave birth to climate change then our response as human-beings is to adapt. Adaptation is a well-used concept in many discourses and discipline with definitions slanting towards the disciplinary protocol or the context within which it is used. In natural sciences, adaptation broadly refers to the development of genetic or behavioural characteristics which enable organisms or systems to cope with environmental changes in order to survive and reproduce.” Social science disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology and political ecology utilize the term adaptation in reference to human systems. Denevan defined adaptation as “cultural practices that allow societies to survive (and beyond that, flourish) are considered adaptations (Smith et al., 2006). In the discourse of environment especially climate change, Adaptation is defined by IPCC (2001)  as an adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.

Adaptation as a doctrine is more of practical than theory. To reduce climate vulnerability with sensitivity to climate, the idea of adaptation must be upheld. Adaptation is progressive, and it is a survival and developmental mechanism, it is equally environmental and human securing. The need to develop a counter measure to the unpredicted impact of climate anomalies that threatens human existence positioned adaptation as concept to practice. Adaptation is need for every sector of the nation. Every living entity responds to stimulus to survive (irritability), inability to respond or adapt to stimuli is anti-survival or death.

Acclimatizing to climate change is continued existence; responsiveness to climate change is life. It is not the strongest of the species that survives nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change i.e. the one that is the most adaptable to change (Charles Darwin).

Living with climate change is not an option but an art to be imbibed, an attitude to picked up and a proficiency to be developed in the twenty first century.