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Climate adaptation in Asia: knowledge gaps and research issues in China. Final report to IDRC and DFID. The full report of the China team.

A study to assess the need for a research programme on climate change adaptation in China

Authors:
Publisher: Institute For Social And Environmental Transition , 2008

This is a summary of a report on climate change adaptation research knowledge and capacity gaps in China, commissioned by DFID (UK) and IDRC (Canada) to consider support for a programme of applied research on climate adaptation in Asia. Although scientific research capacity on assessing the effects of climate change in China is strong, adaptation as a specific domain of research effort is a new concept.

In accordance with donor priorities, the study involves the identification of vulnerable groups in geographical regions likely to face great stress from climate change. Four domains of adaptation research are seen to be relevant for China. These will provide a way to frame and link research across different disciplines and scales to prepare for appropriate adaptation strategies.

In all of these research themes, a common challenge is the way that knowledge and learning are structured in China. Adaptation will require local learning as part of adaptive management. Some of the recommendations on knowledge and learning include: