The Potential of Civil Society in Climate Change Adaptation Strategies

Abstract

Convincing people that climate change is potentially as important as other problems in the region such as poverty, conflict, and corruption, is a significant challenge for climate change adaptation strategies. Many experts attribute the receding shorelines and apparent rise in sea levels around Pacific island countries to climate change. It is questionable whether ordinary people are making similar connections. Raising the level of concern about climate change is essential if this is to change. This paper argues that civil society, in the form of non-government organisations (NGOs), offers a very effective means for creating this change. Non-government organisations work closely with local communities, and can use this relationship to communicate the need to give urgent attention to climate change issues. NGOs also have access to policy makers, including government, which they can use to help align policies with community priorities.