Malik, I.H. orcid.org/0000-0002-5832-5276 and Ford, J.D. (2025) Barriers and limits to adaptation in the Arctic. Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, 73. 101519. ISSN 1877-3435
Abstract
The Arctic is experiencing rapid environmental changes, adaptation challenges, and geopolitical competition. Indigenous Peoples inhabiting the Arctic particularly experience these impacts affecting livelihoods, culture, and the possibilities for long-term adaptation. This study examines the social barriers and limits to adaptation in the Arctic, highlighting the intricate relationship between different social factors. We showcase that these factors are not merely technical or isolated but are deeply political in nature, influenced by broader structural factors, power dynamics, and governance systems. Colonialism, global capitalism, and geopolitical interests intersect and affect resource extraction, Indigenous sovereignty, cultural continuity, and adaptation. We highlight how structural inequalities, exclusion, marginalisation, and systemic neglect impact Indigenous Peoples’ adaptation. We examine how social norms, individual values, psychosocial factors, and governance systems shape adaptation outcomes, distinguishing between barriers and limits.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Geography (Leeds) |
Funding Information: | Funder Grant number UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) NE/X003868/1 |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 04 Mar 2025 10:46 |
Last Modified: | 04 Mar 2025 10:46 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Identification Number: | 10.1016/j.cosust.2025.101519 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:223942 |