Getting real about adapting to climate change: using 'real options' to address the uncertainties

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    Scientists predict that some climate change is already inevitable, even if greenhouse emissions are stabilised. Adaptation strategies will be of comparable importance to reducing emissions. However, the specific effects of climate change are currently unknowable, especially at the local level. Given this uncertainty, deterministic adaptation strategies are inappropriate. Rather than building �worst-case scenario� sea walls, for example, strong foundations can be laid � so that walls can be built (or not built) in future to match actual climatic conditions without incurring unnecessary upfront expense. Other examples of such �real options� are provided to illustrate the feasibility of the approach.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)55-69
    JournalAgenda: A Journal of Policy Analysis and Reform
    Volume15
    Issue number3
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

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