Between tinkering and transformation: A contemporary appraisal of climate change adaptation research on the world's islands

• DOI: 10.3389/fclim.2022.1072231
• Publication Date: 2023-01-12T06:35:34Z
• Authors: Jan Petzold; Elphin T. Joe; Ilan Kelman; Alexandre K. Magnan; Charlotta Mirbach; Gabriela Nagle Al...; Patrick D. Nunn; Beate M. W. Ratter
• Keywords: transformational adaptation; Environmental sciences; subnational island jurisdictions; small island developing states; 0211 other engineering and technologies; VDP::Samfunnsvitenskap: 200; evidence synthesis; GE1-350; 02 engineering and technology; global warming

Islands are at the center of discourses on climate change. Yet despite extensive work diverse island systems in a changing climate, we still lack an understanding change-related responses amongst islands and what shifting from might be called “tinkering” (perhaps heat warnings) to “transformational” adaptation relocation) means for these vastly different landmasses which often grouped together by default. Through systematic review change scientific literature, this paper critically reflects how considering as homogenous ensemble use buzzwords such “transformational adaptation” may problematic realities under Our findings show that evidence base actually provides literature contrasting types cultural political contexts, including Small Island Developing States well other territories. This study finds research gaps with respect regions (e.g., South America, Africa, Mediterranean) there is overall both little context-specific definitions transformational contexts. The does not yet fully reflect experiences or needs regarding transitions transformations throughout history.