36
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R.H.C. Charlier and Chr. P. De Meyer
All retreat options have been identified as having potentially significant
implications both socially and culturally. This is particularly tile case with
abandonment and the resulting need to resettle whole populations. Even though
migration is relatively common in some areas, for example, the South Pacific, a
need for social adjustment remains. Situations where an individual's or a
comnmnity's identity is closely associated with a particular piece of land or access
to particular resources, as in most subsistence economies, can have implications
which are difficult to resolve.
The greatest implications of retreat may lie in being denied access to the original
coast. A well planned retreat that provides for access to alternative resources
could minimize some of these impacts ~5. An associated issue is that of the social
implications for the host people at the place of relocation (s). There exists a
potential for conflict, and existing social services may be heavily taxed in the host
area ff relocation is not well planned and managed. People may choose not to
abandon even vulnerable coastal areas in anticipation of climate change impacts,
if there is strong population pressure in adjacent areas.
3
Accommodation
The social and cultural implications of accommodation, while not as severe as
those of retreat, may still be significant. A change in the economic activity of an
area, for instance, from farming to aquaculture, will change lifestyles.
Accommodating change may lead to living conditions being less desirable, for
example, if properties are subject to periodic flooding, or if problems with sewage
disposal occur. Public safety and health will thus be adversely affected by this
option.
Accommodation is a more socially desirable option when applied in areas where
there is a tradition of adapting to water, for instance, if people live in houses on
stilts or in house-boats.
.............
R.H.C. Charlier and Chr. P. De Meyer
All retreat options have been identified as having potentially significant
implications both socially and culturally. This is particularly tile case with
abandonment and the resulting need to resettle whole populations. Even though
migration is relatively common in some areas, for example, the South Pacific, a
need for social adjustment remains. Situations where an individual's or a
comnmnity's identity is closely associated with a particular piece of land or access
to particular resources, as in most subsistence economies, can have implications
which are difficult to resolve.
The greatest implications of retreat may lie in being denied access to the original
coast. A well planned retreat that provides for access to alternative resources
could minimize some of these impacts ~5. An associated issue is that of the social
implications for the host people at the place of relocation (s). There exists a
potential for conflict, and existing social services may be heavily taxed in the host
area ff relocation is not well planned and managed. People may choose not to
abandon even vulnerable coastal areas in anticipation of climate change impacts,
if there is strong population pressure in adjacent areas.
3
Accommodation
The social and cultural implications of accommodation, while not as severe as
those of retreat, may still be significant. A change in the economic activity of an
area, for instance, from farming to aquaculture, will change lifestyles.
Accommodating change may lead to living conditions being less desirable, for
example, if properties are subject to periodic flooding, or if problems with sewage
disposal occur. Public safety and health will thus be adversely affected by this
option.
Accommodation is a more socially desirable option when applied in areas where
there is a tradition of adapting to water, for instance, if people live in houses on
stilts or in house-boats.