At this year's International Human Dimensions Programme (IHDP) Open Meeting 938 scientists, practitioners and policy makers – from private, government and scientific institutions, international organizations, and NGOs – focused on the "Social Challenges of Global Changes". Questions addressed over four days of panels and discussions dealt with demographic challenges, limited resources, social equity, and institutional adaptability to global change. However the IHDP's focus is on the human dimensions of these challenges, and thus on human security.

The nexus between security and the environment was often discussed in the context of climate change and the need for adaptation. Echoing a refrain from climate change adaptation studies, David Simon and Susan Parnell of the UK cited the biggest problem as "vulnerable people in vulnerable places". Climate change aggravates, but also draws attention to, existing challenges, which is both a challenge and an opportunity. An example of flood management from the Mekong Basin outlined the ways in which the approach to natural disasters has changed throughout time – from passive acceptance, to control, and now to acceptance and constructive adaptation to natural cycles. This does not imply that people have to simply 'live with climate change', but it does show a working example of adaptation based on traditional knowledge and of new bridges between science and policy.

But when talking about adaptation, which should come first – trying to solve existing governance problems, or trying to implement plans of addressing climate change? The answers from the participants pointed towards governance, since what is needed most is the capacity to understand and address the issues where vulnerable systems and vulnerable groups converge. The meeting highlighted the trend toward emphasizing complex interrelated questions that explore the linkages between security issues and other important development aspects such as gender, or with multiplying factors such as climate change. (Irina Comardicea)



For more information on the 7th International Science Conference on the Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change please see www.openmeeting2009.org



For more information on the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP) please see www.ihdp.org

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, June 2009