Governing the Uncertain : Adaptation and Climate in Russia and Finland

This assessment of governmental approaches to the vital task of adapting to climate change posits this undertaking as a central issue of governance. It argues a close relation of governance to existing political and administrative practices. The product of a pan-Arctic research initiative called CAVIAR, it examines the technique of ‘responsibilisation’, in which the task of realising adaptive strategies is devolved to a range of levels of government, as well as to key individuals and organisations in society. The book provides a detailed analysis of the development of adaptive governance in Russia and Finland. It presents a case study from the Sakha Republic in Russia that focuses on community’s participation in the process of governing of the flood events in the Tatta River area. Local adaptive practices are analyzed in relation to federal and regional responses that may mandate, encourage or collide with community’s agency. A second case study is centered on the Finnish community of Kuttura, Ivalo. It explores the mounting challenges presented by changing environmental conditions to traditional reindeer herding, as well as the efforts made to cope with these new factors. Combining anthropological research and political science, this penetrating work offers revealing scrutiny of governmental responses to one of the most urgent issues facing both politicians and the citizens who live in their domains. The book provides a detailed analysis of the development of adaptive governance in Russia and Finland. It presents a case study from the Sakha Republic in Russia that focuses on communityâs participation in the process of governing of the flood events in the Tatta River area. Local adaptive practices are analyzed in relation to federal and regional responses that may mandate, encourage or collide with communityâs agency. A second case study is centered on the Finnish community of Kuttura, Ivalo. It explores the mounting challenges presented by changing environmental conditions to traditional reindeer herding, as well as the efforts made to cope with these new factors. Combining anthropological research and political science, this penetrating work offers revealing scrutiny of governmental responses to one of the most urgent issues facing both politicians and the citizens who live in their domains Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Front Matter....Pages 1-1 Introduction....Pages 3-16 Adaptation as a Governance Practice....Pages 17-35 Front Matter....Pages 37-37 Adaptation in Russian Climate Governance....Pages 39-54 The Big Water of a Small River: Flood Experiences and a Community Agenda for Change....Pages 55-82 Front Matter....Pages 83-83 Adaptation in Finnish Climate Governance....Pages 85-99 Adaptation of Sámi Reindeer Herding: EU Regulation and Climate Change....Pages 101-122 Front Matter....Pages 123-123 Responsibilisation for Adaptation....Pages 125-136 Back Matter....Pages 137-138