Assignment 2 – Adaptation case study
This assignment aims to allow you to study an adaptation event in more depth by addressing
a series of questions. It provides an opportunity to critique adaptations and to analyse the
elements that make adaptations successful, or unsuccessful. This assignment focuses on
integrating the learning outcomes of the unit and also requires you to use an important
generic skill: locating and using relevant information from the primary research literature (i.e.
journal articles).
Three alternative topics are provided: one that focuses on ecosystems, one that focuses on
societies and one that can be used to either focus on ecosystems or societies. You must
choose 1 of these 3 topics as your case study. All topics include choices you need to make
about the focus of your case study assignment. For example, which country or region your
case study examines. These choices are indicated in the topics list below. Please ensure that
you state which topic you have chosen and the focus you have chosen at the start of your
assignment.
The article provided for each topic is a recent publication, demonstrating the need for, and
interest in, case studies of adaptation to inform policy and planning. Before you start this
assignment, make sure that you understand what the climate change impact is, and the
adaptation responses to that impact.
For each topic, the reference for a source article is given to start you off but you will need to
locate other articles to develop a good understanding of the topic and address the questions
fully.
Assignment in
words). Adhere to the maximum page limits for each question – additional pages will
not be marked.
 Make sure that you cite each of the articles that you use in your answers and that you
include a properly formatted reference list at the end of the assignment. The reference
list is exempt from the page limits.
Assignment questions:
1. a) Briefly describe the climate change impact and the adaptation(s) made in response
to that impact and b) indicate whether adaptation was planned or autonomous?
(maximum 1 page).
2. a) Was the adaptation response an overall success or failure (or is it unclear)? b)
Identify the key elements of the adaptation response that led it to succeed or to fail
(maximum 1 page). You may wish to use the 4 criteria for assessing success described by
Adger et al. (2005) if appropriate (see readings for topic 7).
3. a) Identify which of Pittock’s 8 alternative climate change adaptation strategies (see
Topic 1) were used and b) use evidence to explain why (maximum 1 page). Note that
that more than one strategy may have occurred.
4. a) Has the adaptation event led to enduring changes in the society or ecosystem, that
is, a transition or transformation? b) Describe these changes and explain whether they
have increased the coping range (maximum 1 page).
5. a) Is there evidence of maladaptation and b) what type was it (use the 5 types of
maladaptation from Barnett & O’Neill, see lecture 1)? Provide examples (maximum 1
page).
6. Was adaptive capacity increased in the ecosystem or society following the adaptation
response? Explain why or why not? (maximum 1 page).
7. Reflect on the articles that you have read for this assignment. a) what useful lessons
for future CCA actions can you draw from this case study? b) identify which CCArelated
theory was the most useful for understanding the adaptations you have
examined here, and explain why.
8. Compile your reference list at the end and ensure you have properly cited each
reference in the text (additional to page limit).
Case study topics for 2018
Topic 1 Ecosystems – adaptation of coastal vegetation to climate change
A number of climatic changes are affecting coastal vegetation. Some studies show rapid
changes in vegetation, as plants adapt to changing conditions. The article below summarises
changes in vegetation in Florida USA, an area of the globe experiencing rapid climatic
change and a wide range of impacts. There are articles describing changes in coastal
vegetation around the world. For this topic, you can focus on Florida, choose another
location, or review a range of locations – just make sure you can cite several articles to
provide evidence for your answers.
Reference: Langston et al. (2017) A casualty of climate change? Loss of freshwater forest
islands on Florida’s gulf coast. Global Change Biology, 23, 5383-5397.
Topic 2 Societies – how property insurance is adapting to increased frequencies of extreme
hydrometeorological events.
Insurance is a major mechanism for recovery after extreme events. This topic examines
various ways in which insurance companies have adapted to the increase demands for payouts
and the effects of these adaptations, their success or failure. The article below
summarises some of these adaptations, but there are many more articles that examine the role
insurance plays in CCA, and how insurance adaptations affect societies. If you decide to
choose a particular region (e.g. France only or the whole European Union) please make this
clear at the start of your assignment.
Reference: Cremades et al. (2018) Using the adaptive cycle in climate-risk insurance to
design resilient futures. Nature Climate Change, 8, 4-7.
Topic 3 Societies – Exploring adaptation choices for grapevine regions in Spain
Grape-growers worldwide, whether wine or table grapes are needing to adapt to changing
climate, including factors such as changing rainfall, frost and minimum temperatures. This
article will start you off in examining why adaptation is necessary and the types of adaptation
needed. However, there are many other articles on grapes and wine grapes from the
Americas, Europe, Australia and New Zealand that could assist you to address these case
study questions. If you decide to choose a particular region (e.g. Spain only, or southern
Europe, or all of Europe) please make this clear at the start of your assignment.
Reference: Resco et al. (2016) Exploring adaptation choices for grapevine regions in Spain.
Regional Environmental Change, 16, 979-993.