There is an ongoing debate about whether top-down governance or bottom-up initiatives are the best strategy for climate adaptation as the impacts of climate change become more severe and widespread. Governments and international organizations that implement a top-down strategy promote transparency in policies, allocate sufficient resources, and establish consistent regulations. A bottom-up strategy emphasizes community-driven, locally led solutions, participatory planning, and the integration of local knowledge. Although top-down approaches are now more popular, there is an increasing movement to incorporate bottom-up strategies to develop more effective and resilient climate adaptation solutions.
In this tug-of-war, we will explore how both approaches interact with shaping the climate adaptation policies, actions, and outcomes and their effects on communities, governments, and organizations that respond to climate effects. Even though both strategies have their own significance in constructing climate resilience, the question remains: which one can promote more effective and sustainable adaptation?
Speakers:
- Sushila Pandit, Policy Leader Fellow
- Jasmin Bal, MA Student, STG
- Silvia Testi, Resilience Program Coordinator, Oxfam Italia
This event will be held in-person only.