Why we need to think about climate adaptation

This article is written by Jasmine van der Eijk, Communications & Engagement Manager at the Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts project (PACCo).

• The problem: As the impacts of climate change accelerate, particularly on our coastal communities, we must move from react and resist to act and adapt.
• Why it matters: Without an increase in proactive, adaptive solutions and communication, our coastal environments are no longer sustainable.
• The solution: The “war” on climate change is over. It’s time to join forces with the environment to change the way we communicate about our changing climate, and adapt to its challenges by working with nature, not against it.

Climate change is one of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced, so it is no surprise that the vastness of the problem can feel overwhelming, leading to reactive rather than proactive action, limited engagement and restricted or short-term solutions. Time and time again, we hear this challenge referred to as the “war”, “fight” or “race” against climate change but Promoting Adaptation to Changing Coasts (PACCo) – a flagship climate adaptation, habitat restoration and infrastructure improvement project – is bucking the trend by working with nature to the benefit of people, wildlife and the environment.

PACCo is a €27m EU Interreg funded, Environment Agency-led cross-border initiative delivering adaptation projects in two coastal communities – the Lower Otter Valley in East Devon, England (the Lower Otter Restoration Project), and Saâne Valley in Normandy, France (the Basse Saâne 2050 project). It is the first time pre-emptive adaptation has been demonstrated on this scale in two different countries, and demonstrates it is possible to work with stakeholders in estuarine areas on an international level to deliver shared solutions to shared problems.

The way we talk about climate change shapes how we think about it and how we take action.

Without proactive intervention, both valleys’ landscapes would not be sustainable after centuries of human modification – these changes saw the rivers disconnected from their floodplains resulting in a loss of ecologically significant inter-tidal habitat, and communities already being affected by sea level rise and a shifting climate.

Considering the coast

A critical issue facing many of our coastal areas, around 70 estuarine sites in northern France and southern England alone may benefit from a similar adaptation model. Despite around 40% of all species living or breeding in them, and coastal wetlands storing more carbon than any other natural system, they are our most threatened ecosystem.

By restoring intertidal habitat, reconnecting the rivers to their historic floodplains, and developing infrastructure resilience through more natural solutions, PACCo is achieving a unique balance that is returning landscapes to a more naturally functioning state, increasing biodiversity and carbon capture, while also providing flood resilience.

Works completed or underway include the creation of 100-hectares of wetland habitat, breaches of embankments up to 70-metres; raising a 30-metre span road above the floodplain; protecting major public footpaths, including the construction of a new footbridge; relocating a campsite and cricket club away from the floodplain; constructing a new wastewater treatment facility, and replacing a large concrete aqueduct with a network of natural channels.

These were accomplished through extensive planning and research; analysis of historical maps and data to increase local framing and knowledge; socioeconomic and natural capital assessments; early engagement and strong relationship building with stakeholders, partners and communities; frequent ecologist monitoring, and utilising nature-based solutions and soft engineering methods where possible.

Lower Otter Valley project site

Let’s talk

Effective communication and engagement are other vital elements. The way we talk about climate change shapes how we think about it and how we take action.

The narrative of working against nature can negatively impact how people understand and feel about both the problem and the possible solutions. To educate and encourage the take up of more adaptation-based schemes, we must ensure we are communicating them in a way that inspires and empowers others, is practical, and resonates with communities and policymakers. We need stark, scientific information to help us understand problems fully and raise awareness, but in a balanced way that shines the spotlight on the solutions and options we have, what is being done, and what can be done to mitigate, adapt and solve. Focusing too much on the former can inspire a sense of helplessness and avoidance rather than mobilisation, whereas learning about positive action can help combat climate change anxiety, inspire ideas and energise people.

Communicating large-scale change and long-term vision is difficult, thus a variety of mediums is required to engage a wide audience. Some of the tools PACCo has used to achieve this are videos in a range of styles such as animations, interviews, landscape footage and educational and policymaker-focused films; regular and timely public consultations and stakeholder sessions; newsletters; articles for local, national and specialist publications; social media updates; website resources; reports; educational visits; presentations and events.

Impactful and lasting adaptation is only possible with increased collaboration, shared learning, funding, engaging communication and cultural awareness. Therefore, a key goal of PACCo is to leave a lasting legacy by sharing knowledge and expertise internationally through the PACCo Guide. This was published on the project website at the end of March and provides transferrable methodology, solutions and tools to aid other European projects and policymakers.

We hope the success and lessons learnt throughout the project will act as a motivating model to other estuarine locations in urgent need of pre-emptive adaptation. These initiatives are essential if we are to rebuild and sustain the coastal habitats we depend on, and the socioeconomic benefits they provide.

Saâne Valley project site

For more information, please visit: www.pacco-interreg.com

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