A typology of loss and damage perspectives

Journal article

Loss and Damage (L&D;) has been the subject of contentious debate in international climate policy for several decades. Recently, formal mechanisms on L&D; have been established, but arguably through unclear language. This ambiguity is politically important, but researchers and practitioners require clearer understandings of L&D.; Here we report on the first in-depth empirical study of actor perspectives, including interviews with 38 key stakeholders in research, practice, and policy. We find points of agreement and also important distinctions in terms of: the relationship between L&D; and adaptation, the emphasis on avoiding versus addressing L&D;, the relevance of anthropogenic climate change, and the role of justice. A typology of four perspectives is identified, with different implications for research priorities and actions to address L&D.; This typology enables improved understanding of existing perspectives and so has potential to facilitate more transparent discussion of the options available to address L&D;.

Authors: Boyd, E; James, R; Jones, RG; Young, HR; Otto, FEL

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Nature Publishing Group
• Journal: Nature Climate Change More from this journal
• Volume: 7
• Pages: 723–729
• Publication date: 2017-09-01
• Acceptance date: 2017-08-16
• DOI: 10.1038/nclimate3389
• EISSN: 1758-6798
• ISSN: 1758-678X