With a focus on Taiwan as a local case of exploration, the study seeks to explore the role of institutions and actors who are involved, to identify the challenges experienced in the adopting and implementing process, with the hope to illuminate from the data as to why these challenges exist. The research also touches upon a larger discussion beyond what adaptation strategies can contribute, specifically in framing sustainable development for the country. Taiwan is at the forefront of climate change. The blend of being located at the confluence of three major rivers and being exceptionally low-lying, makes Taiwan vulnerable to natural disasters, such as typhoons and flooding leading to displacement and human catastrophe. On the one hand, this means that the government and citizens of Taiwan has a long history of preparing for, adapting to and recovering from natural disasters.
Using a case study research design, qualitative research methods were employed, and interviews conducted with various actors to achieve the aims of the study. A theoretical and conceptual framework was used on the paradigms of natural hazards and vulnerability, the three components of adaptation, and the role of actors and institutions. In terms of knowledge and involvement with climate-related adaptation, it is an emerging aspect set within the larger disaster risk reduction context. Identified challenges in educating and communicating the strategies often emerge at the government and community-levels, potentially drawing from bureaucratic challenges funnelling down to local government units, which are exacerbated by feelings of distrust and strained relations of communities toward the government. Finally, few themes were found from the data in connecting climate change adaptation strategies to a greater role in framing sustainable development in Taiwan. However, alleviation of impoverished conditions and education were two critical aspects for cultivating knowledge needed to promote long-term efforts toward resilience, and thus sustainability of the local people during disaster events.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Approach and Methods
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework
Geographical and Policy Setting of Study Area
Results
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Research Objectives and Topics
The study aims to investigate the current status of climate change adaptation strategies in Taiwan, specifically focusing on the Penghu region, to identify how institutions and actors facilitate these processes, the challenges they encounter during implementation, and the potential link between these strategies and sustainable development.
- Climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies in Taiwan.
- Roles of government institutions, international organizations, and local actors in disaster response.
- Challenges in policy communication and bureaucratic implementation at local levels.
- Exploration of vulnerability, capacity building, and resilience within the Taiwanese context.
- The relationship between disaster management and long-term sustainable development goals.
Excerpt from the Book
The Science of Climate Change
The basic premise of the climate change issue concerns the ‘greenhouse effect’. It is a natural phenomena whereby greenhouse gases [carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), halocarbons and methane (CH4), among others] raises the temperature of the Earth’s lower troposphere and surface by absorbing some infrared radiation from the Earth’s surface (Miller, 1998: 18). As explained by Miller, this process causes molecules of GHGs “to vibrate and transform the absorbed energy into longer-wave infrared radiation” in the troposphere (Ibid). To explain this process further, we can use the example of a typical car parked in a lot under the sun. Sunlight passes through the glass windows and ceiling of a car and strikes every object inside it. Some of the light is reflected and it goes back out through the glass. Some of the light is absorbed and this causes heating of whatever object absorbed it. The heated objects give off energy through infrared light which cannot fully penetrate the glass. Thus, infrared light, or heat, is trapped in the car, and the car heats up (Spray and McGlothlin, 2002: 6).
Similarly, in the natural world, sunlight passes through the Earth’s atmosphere and strikes the Earth’s surface. Some of the sunlight is reflected into space while some is absorbed. The absorbed light warms up the Earth’s surface and the earth gives off infrared radiation which is absorbed by the atmosphere. The Earth’s atmosphere consists of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen (Ibid: 7). Neither gas absorbs infrared radiation. An important component of the atmosphere for global heat balance 10 is carbon dioxide which makes up .5% thereof. CO2, as well as other GHGs absorb infrared radiation. Without the natural greenhouse effect scientists estimate that the average global temperature would be about 33 degrees centigrade lower (Carter, 2001: 232). However, since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have caused greater concentrations of GHGs in the atmosphere through emissions, mostly from fossil fuel burning. Thus, the resulting changes in composition of the Earth’s atmosphere due to human activities now dominate changes that occur naturally (MacDonald, 1990: 1).
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: This chapter introduces the global and local context of climate change, emphasizing the necessity of adaptation strategies in disaster-prone regions like Taiwan.
Approach and Methods: This chapter outlines the qualitative case study design, explaining the use of literature reviews, document analysis, and interviews to gather empirical data.
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework: This chapter establishes the theoretical foundation based on hazard paradigms, vulnerability, capacity, and resilience, and explains the institutional roles involved in adaptation.
Geographical and Policy Setting of Study Area: This chapter provides background information on Taiwan's climate, its vulnerability to typhoons, and the policy landscape surrounding disaster management.
Results: This chapter presents empirical findings gathered from interviews with government officials, local actors, and foreign aid partners regarding adaptation efforts.
Discussion: This chapter analyzes the findings, focusing on the disconnect in policy implementation and the challenges of integrating climate change adaptation into existing DRR frameworks.
Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the research, highlighting the need for better communication and capacity building to foster sustainable development through effective climate adaptation.
References: This chapter lists all scholarly sources, policy documents, and reports utilized throughout the research process.
Keywords
sustainable development, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, Taiwan, vulnerability, resilience, institutions, actors, typhoon, capacity building, environmental policy, implementation, governance, Penghu, socio-economic challenges
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research focuses on the contemporary phenomena of climate change adaptation strategies within the context of Taiwan, specifically exploring how these strategies are adopted and implemented in disaster-prone areas.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The core themes include disaster risk reduction, the dynamics between various institutional actors, vulnerability assessments, capacity building, and the challenges of communicating adaptation policies to local communities.
What is the main objective of the study?
The primary objective is to investigate the current status of climate change adaptation in Taiwan, identify the actors involved, and understand the challenges that hinder the effective implementation of these strategies.
Which scientific method is utilized in this study?
The study employs a qualitative research design, primarily utilizing an exploratory and explanatory case study method supported by literature reviews, document analysis, and semi-structured interviews.
What topics are addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body examines the theoretical frameworks of hazards and vulnerability, the geographical and policy landscape of Taiwan and the Penghu region, and the empirical findings regarding institutional roles and implementation hurdles.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include sustainable development, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, institutional roles, vulnerability, resilience, and local implementation challenges.
How is the concept of 'resilience' applied in this context?
Resilience is framed as the ability to 'build back better' post-disaster, emphasizing a proactive approach to overcoming climate-related shocks rather than merely restoring pre-disaster conditions.
What role does the Penghu region play in this research?
The Penghu region serves as a specific local case study, providing tangible examples of how communities and local government units respond to super typhoons and deal with institutional policies meant to address disaster risks.
What are the identified institutional challenges?
Challenges include inconsistent enforcement of mandates, bureaucratic delays, a disconnect between national strategies and local understanding, and the impact of corruption or political agendas on policy implementation.
- Quote paper
- Rabbi Deloso (Author), 2008, Climate Change Impacts in Taiwan. Challenges and the Role of Institutions and Actors, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1268962
