Unit summary

In this unit you learned about the importance of self-governance, which is a community’s ability to make its own decisions and manage its own affairs. You also learned about self-reliance, which is a community’s ability to meet its own needs without relying on outside help or resources.

When communities are self-governing and self-reliant, they are better able to identify and address their unique vulnerabilities to the impacts of climate change. They can also develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies that are tailored to their specific needs. For example:

• Community-led adaptation: Communities can work together to develop and implement adaptation plans that identify their vulnerabilities to climate change and can be used to develop strategies to address those vulnerabilities.
• Local food systems: Communities can develop local food systems that are less reliant on industrial agriculture and long-distance transportation.
• Renewable energy: Communities can invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
• Disaster preparedness: Communities can develop disaster preparedness plans and early warning systems.
• Protect and restore ecosystems: For example, a coastal community can protect and restore its mangrove ecosystem to protect itself from storms and flooding.
• Build strong social networks: Social networks can provide support and resources to community members during times of crisis.

Self-governed and self-reliant communities enjoy several benefits, including the following:

• the ability to respond quickly and effectively to shocks or disasters
• the ability to develop and implement adaptation strategies that are tailored to the community’s specific needs and circumstances
• being less vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains and other external shocks
• being better able to build and maintain social cohesion during crises