My poster will examine how climate futures are shaped through the interaction of natural and societal dynamics in the context of coastal adaptation in Greece. The poster will focus on how sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and increasing flood risks affect Greek coastal regions and how adaptation strategies are shaped not only by environmental pressures, but also by political, economic, and social conditions.
Scientific research shows that Mediterranean coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Greece is especially exposed because of its extensive coastline, island geography, and strong dependence on coastal tourism and infrastructure. Studies on coastal vulnerability and protection capacity demonstrate that adaptation capabilities differ significantly between regions, with islands and less developed coastal areas often facing greater risks and fewer resources for protection. Research also highlights that adaptation is not simply a technical issue, but a complex process involving governance, planning, and competing societal priorities.
The poster will explore how scientific knowledge, modelling approaches, and coastal management strategies influence adaptation decisions in Greece. It will also consider how local realities and regional economic interests can shape or hinder the implementation of adaptation measures. Drawing on course discussions about epistemic plurality and transformative science, the poster will investigate how different forms of knowledge and societal interests interact in shaping climate futures.
Finally, the poster will address how coastal adaptation strategies can be communicated and implemented effectively, particularly in regions where economic activities and cultural attachment to coastal areas may conflict with long-term adaptation planning. The aim is to demonstrate that climate futures are co-produced through environmental change, scientific knowledge, governance, and societal decision-making.
References
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11852-020-00757-5
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0964569113002147
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/1/260