The promises and pitfalls of ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change as a vehicle for social empowerment

The focus of this open access article is ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) to climate change and the respective social benefits relevant to marginalised groups, since climate change and inequality are interrelated challenges.

The article summarises the findings of a review of the meaning of EbA and interlinkages of EbA with empowerment concepts. It discusses how empowerment could be better integrated into the EbA, suggesting key dimensions through which this could be supported (material, institutional and discursive dimensions of power).

The article also contains a checklist for EbA researchers, which can enable EbA to better serve as a vehicle to deliver on its claims of socially orientated benefits. Questions that should be asked include:

• What are existing interdependencies between people and nature?
• What kinds of knowledge are used in decision making?
• Are negative or unintentional effects, trade-offs, or rights claims recognised by EbA practitioners, and how are these dealt with?
• Do projects help people to manage ecosystems to produce the services that they desire?