ABSTRACT
The first chapter of this book made the case that action research has a lot to offer those trying to encourage adaptation to climate change. The technical difficulties of formulating and interpreting climate change forecasts are substantial, but not nearly as challenging as the governance problems that arise when collective risk management choices must be made (Lemos et al., 2012; Moser and Ekstrom, 2010). Communities must take action, but no single actor alone can address the risks posed by climate change. Effective adaptation requires scientists, engineers, designers, policymakers, and stakeholders to work together (Birkmann et al., 2010). Most groups do not know how to do this. Action researchers can be of assistance. They can clarify differing perceptions of risk and competing estimates of costs and benefits. They can also help decision makers and other stakeholders strengthen their collaborative decision-making capabilities.
