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. 2025;4(1):104.
doi: 10.1038/s44168-025-00309-3. Epub 2025 Nov 19.

Mobilising cultural heritage for locally owned adaptation

Kate Donovan  1 , Rowan Jackson  2 , Siona O'Connell  3 , Dulma Karunarathna  4 , Arry Retnowati  5 , Esti Anantasari  5 , YoungHwa Cha  6 , Dominique Niemand  3 , David C Harvey  7 , Andrew Dugmore  8
Affiliations

Mobilising cultural heritage for locally owned adaptation

Kate Donovan et al. NPJ Clim Action. 2025.

Abstract

Climate change adaptation planning and implementation has been criticised for following linear steps that can limit local suitability, scalability and sustainability. We argue that meaningful climate change adaptations incorporate a diversity of voices using cultural heritage for situated and multi-generational interventions. Here, we present examples of risk narratives and adaptive strategies developed through engagement with cultural heritage, balancing knowledge of environment with local livelihoods, histories, values and meaning.

Keywords: Cultural and media studies; Development studies; Environmental studies; Geography; History; Sociology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Illustrating the challenges facing people living in highly vulnerable settings and opportunities of heritage as a tool for adaptation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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