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T
he
I
mpacts
and
I
mplications
of
C
limate
C
hange
and
V
ariability
market impacts, providing new insight into the complex interactions
between humans and nature.
Putting knowledge into policy and practice
Although better predictions of the magnitude and distribution of
climate change impacts are urgently needed, we cannot wait for
better knowledge before taking action. There are three key areas
where adaptation actions could potentially be taken.
12
It is important that existing efforts to manage fisheries are
improved. Currently, a quarter of the world’s fisheries are either
over exploited or recovering, while half are at their limits of produc-
tivity. Fisheries tend to target abundant species that dominate the
ecosystem in which they live. A fish stock which is depleted is more
susceptible to any negative impacts of climate change on that ecosys-
tem, and the combined effects of climate change and fishing pressure
may lead to collapse, causing the ecosystem to ‘flip’ into a differ-
ent state. Some scientists argue that this is what happened to the
Newfoundland cod fishery, which collapsed in the early 1990s and
has not recovered despite a moratorium on fishing.
13
There is a need for adaptation approaches that involve managing an
integrated portfolio of natural resource sectors such as water, forestry,
farming, aquaculture and capture fisheries. Fisheries are affected by
adaptation initiatives in some of these sectors – for example building
dams for water storage will affect downstream fisheries. Also, many
fisherfolk in developing economies have diverse livelihood strategies,
combining fishing with other occupations to maintain income and
food security when fisheries are adversely affected by weather and
climate. One novel cross-sectoral scheme in the Solomon Islands is
assessing the potential for carbon sequestration by mangrove forests
– ecosystems threatened by unsustainable aquaculture
– which could then be eligible as a source of carbon
credits under the United Nations’ (UN) programme
Reducing Emissions fromDegradation and Deforestation.
Researchers are examining how this approach might be
used to promote conservation, mitigate climate change
and help alleviate poverty among people dependent on
the mangroves and adjacent marine ecosystems.
Finally, thought should be given to mainstream-
ing fisheries in wider development processes. Climate
change is not the only stress facing fishing communi-
ties. Many are poorly served by infrastructure, markets
and social services, and are thus economically, socially
and politically marginalized. Building adaptive capac-
ity to address these multiple stressors will require
cross-sectoral approaches implemented through newly
decentralized governance. The world’s least developed
countries are among those eligible for UN funding to
engage in long-term planning through the National
Adaptation Programmes of Action. In countries where
fisheries are important, sector-specific needs should be
planned and budgeted for in this process. Of course,
governments and international finance institutions need
to then deliver on their promises to fund adaptation –
something they have, so far, substantially failed to do.
Collaboration for climate change adaptation
The scale and importance of impacts on fisheries are
beyond the capabilities of any one organization or
Fish – both marine and freshwater – are an essential part of a healthy diet for millions of people in developing countries
Image: Minkoh, for FAO