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Beyond participation: when citizen engagement leads to undesirable outcomes for nature-based solutions and climate change adaptation

Author

Listed:
  • C. Wamsler

    (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS))

  • J. Alkan-Olsson

    (Lund University Centre for Environmental and Climate Research (CEC))

  • H. Björn
  • H. Falck
  • H. Hanson

    (Lund University Centre for Environmental and Climate Research (CEC))

  • T. Oskarsson
  • E. Simonsson
  • F. Zelmerlow

Abstract

Scholars and practitioners are increasingly promoting so-called nature-based approaches for urban climate change adaptation. There is widespread consensus that they both support and require transdisciplinary approaches, notably by involving citizens in the change process and finding innovative ways to unite different actors’ efforts and capacities. However, there is little empirical evidence regarding the actual value of citizen involvement to sustainability in this field. Against this background, this paper examines whether (or not) current forms and conditions of citizen involvement help to create a platform to support nature-based solutions and ensure a transformative adaptation process. The results show that under current conditions, citizen engagement often hampers sustainable outcomes. In fact, current structures and mechanisms for mainstreaming nature and climate considerations into sectoral planning are limited and, furthermore, neglect citizen involvement. In addition, there is a blind spot with respect to personal spheres of transformation toward sustainability regarding citizens, civil servants, and decision-makers. Key constraints are power structures and the lack of cognitive/emotional and relational capacities required for improved democratic governance. If we are to tap into the potential of nature-based solutions to increase climate adaptation governance, we need targeted financial and human resources, and greater capacity to overcome current constraints and support all levels and phases of mainstreaming, notably planning, implementation, monitoring, and learning.

Suggested Citation

  • C. Wamsler & J. Alkan-Olsson & H. Björn & H. Falck & H. Hanson & T. Oskarsson & E. Simonsson & F. Zelmerlow, 2020. "Beyond participation: when citizen engagement leads to undesirable outcomes for nature-based solutions and climate change adaptation," Climatic Change, Springer, vol. 158(2), pages 235-254, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:climat:v:158:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10584-019-02557-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s10584-019-02557-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huihui Liu & Pim Martens, 2023. "Stakeholder Participation for Nature-Based Solutions: Inspiration for Rural Area’s Sustainability in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-17, November.
    2. Erik Persson & Åsa Knaggård & Kerstin Eriksson, 2021. "Public Perceptions concerning Responsibility for Climate Change Adaptation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-23, November.
    3. Macarena L. Cárdenas & Vanessa Wilde & Alex Hagen-Zanker & Isabel Seifert-Dähnn & Michael G. Hutchins & Steven Loiselle, 2021. "The Circular Benefits of Participation in Nature-Based Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Ilse M. Voskamp & Claudia de Luca & Monserrat Budding Polo-Ballinas & Helena Hulsman & Reinder Brolsma, 2021. "Nature-Based Solutions Tools for Planning Urban Climate Adaptation: State of the Art," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-17, June.
    5. Nathalie Nunes & Emma Björner & Knud Erik Hilding-Hamann, 2021. "Guidelines for Citizen Engagement and the Co-Creation of Nature-Based Solutions: Living Knowledge in the URBiNAT Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-37, December.
    6. Lei Li & Ali Cheshmehzangi & Faith Ka Shun Chan & Christopher D. Ives, 2021. "Mapping the Research Landscape of Nature-Based Solutions in Urbanism," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-41, April.
    7. Patrick J. Likongwe & Frank B. Chimaimba & Sosten S. Chiotha & Treaser Mandevu & Lois Kamuyango & Hesekia Garekae, 2021. "Urban Community Power: Enhancing Urban Forest Diversity and Reversing Ecosystem Disservices in Zomba City, Malawi," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(11), pages 1-19, November.
    8. Thomas Bastiaensen & Ewaut Van Wambeke & Camelia El Bakkali & Jomme Desair & Charlotte Noël & Kaat Kenis & Lukas Vincke & Sander Jacobs, 2023. "Beyond Biodiversity: Eliciting Diverse Values of Urban Green Spaces in Flanders," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-21, June.
    9. Andreas Ch. Hadjichambis & Demetra Paraskeva-Hadjichambi & Eleni Sinakou & Anastasia Adamou & Yiannis Georgiou, 2022. "Green Cities for Environmental Citizenship: A Systematic Literature Review of Empirical Research from 31 Green Cities of the World," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-30, December.
    10. Liette Vasseur, 2021. "How Ecosystem-Based Adaptation to Climate Change Can Help Coastal Communities through a Participatory Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-10, February.
    11. Tschakert, Petra & Parsons, Meg & Atkins, Ed & Garcia, Alicea & Godden, Naomi & Gonda, Noemi & Henrique, Karen Paiva & Sallu, Susannah & Steen, Karin & Ziervogel, Gina, 2023. "Methodological lessons for negotiating power, political capabilities, and resilience in research on climate change responses," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 167(C).

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