Adaptive Transitions: The Long‐Term Perspective on Humans in Changing Coastal Settings

Abstract

Adaptation is a key concept in long‐term human adjustments to climate change. Despite the centrality of human decisions and actions in adaptation, much of the climate change literature is thin on humanities and social science which are the primary approaches for understanding human activity. This situation is particularly pronounced in Louisiana's discussions about its disappearing coast line where research has concentrated in understanding biophysical processes and solutions prioritize short‐term adaptations. This paper reviews the relationship of adaptation and long‐term transitions in the global change discussion and traces how disjointed adaptations in coastal Louisiana have contributed to a perilous environmental situation there. It proposes a shift from discrete adaptations to efforts that incorporate interrelated biophysical and human adaptations that can sustain long‐term transitions.

Key words:

• adaptation
• transition
• Louisiana

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Craig E. Colten

Craig E. Colten is the Carl O. Sauer Professor in the Department of Geography and Anthropology at Louisiana State University; [[email protected]].