New Spaces for Climate Change The Societal Construction of Landscapes in Times of a Changing Climate

Vera Köpsel investigates the relevance of local perceptions of landscape and nature for the current topic of adaptation to climate change. She highlights the influence that differing conceptualisations of landscape among actors in environmental management have on their perspectives on climate change and adaptation. Qualitative empirical data from Cornwall (UK) constitutes a valuable foundation for an enhanced theoretical understanding of societal constructions of landscape and their implications for local negotiation processes. Using the example of coastal erosion, the author discusses how contrasting perceptions of a local landscape can significantly complicate consensus-finding around physical-material adaptation measures.

Climate Adaptation, People-Place Relationships, and Local Actors: Reviewing the Literature.- The Societal Construction of Landscapes in the Context of Climate Change Adaptation.- Landscape Narratives in Cornwall and their Implications for Climate Change Adaptation.- Coastal Erosion at Godrevy – Adaptation in the Context of Local Debates.