A multiscale analysis of social-ecological system robustness and vulnerability in Cornwall, UK

Naylor, L. A. , Brady, U., Quinn, T., Brown, K. and Anderies, J. M. (2019) A multiscale analysis of social-ecological system robustness and vulnerability in Cornwall, UK. Regional Environmental Change, 19(7), pp. 1835-1848. (doi: 10.1007/s10113-019-01530-7)

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Abstract

Understanding social-ecological system (SES) feedbacks and interactions is crucial to improving societal resilience to growing environmental challenges. Social-ecological systems are usually researched at one of two spatial scales: local placed-based empirical studies or system-scale modelling, with limited efforts to date exploring the merits of combining these two analytical approaches and scales. Here, we take a multiscale interdisciplinary approach to elucidate the social dynamics underpinning cross-sectoral feedbacks and unintended consequences of decision-making that can affect social-ecological system vulnerability unexpectedly. We combined empirical place-based research with the Robustness Framework, a dynamic system level analysis platform, to analyse the characteristics and robustness of a coastal SES in Cornwall, UK. Embedding place-based empirical analysis into a broader institutional framework revealed SES feedbacks and “maladaptations”. We find that decentralisation efforts coupled with government austerity measures amplify second-order (reputational) risks. This prompted temporal policy trade-offs, which increased individual and community vulnerability and reduced social-ecological system robustness, impeding local adaptation to climate change. We identify opportunities to ameliorate these maladaptations by (1) implementing coordination rules that can guide policymakers in instances of conflicting coastal management pressures, and (2) recognising how second-order risks influence decision-making. This work demonstrates the strengths of combining local and regional analyses to assess the robustness of social-ecological systems exposed to environmental changes, such as climate change and sea level rise. Our results show how analysis of the multiscale effects of climate policies, decision-making processes and second-order risks can usefully support local climate change adaptation planning.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Naylor, Dr Larissa
Authors: Naylor, L. A., Brady, U., Quinn, T., Brown, K., and Anderies, J. M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:Regional Environmental Change
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:1436-3798
ISSN (Online):1436-378X
Published Online:31 July 2019
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The Authors
First Published:First published in Regional Environmental Change 19(7): 1835-1848
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
664571Multi-scale adaptations to climate change and social-ecological sustainability in coastal areas (MAGIC)Larissa NaylorNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)NE/L008807/1GES - GES ADMINISTRATION
678081Developing a sustainable, ecosystem-based coastal climate change adaption routemap for policy makers and practitionersLarissa NaylorNatural Environment Research Council (NERC)NE/M010546/1GES - GES ADMINISTRATION