Self-governance and self-reliance for climate resiliency
Self-governance is the ability of a community to:
- make its own decisions and manage itself, and
- meet its own needs without relying on external assistance or resources.
When communities are self-governing and self-reliant, they can identify and address their unique vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change. They are also better able to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies that are aligned with their specific needs.
Self-governance and self-reliance contribute to climate change resiliency in the following ways:
- Self-governing and self-reliant communities can better identify and address their vulnerability to climate change and its effects by conducting their own vulnerability assessments and engaging in participatory planning processes.
- Self-governing and self-reliant communities are better able to develop and implement climate change adaptation strategies that are tailored to their specific needs by mobilising local resources and knowledge and developing partnerships with other communities and organisations.
- Self-governing and self-reliant communities are more likely to be sustainable in the long term. They are less reliant on external assistance and are better able to manage their resources and adapt to changing conditions.
Discussion
In a small group, debate and discuss the probable disadvantages of self-governance and self-reliance. Write them as points in your journal or blog.
Self-governance and self-reliance can be used to build climate change resilience in the following contexts:
- Community-led adaptation: Communities can work together to develop and implement adaptation plans that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.
- Local food systems: Communities can develop local food systems that are less reliant on industrial agriculture and long-distance transportation. This can make communities more resilient to disruptions in the food supply chain.
- Renewable energy: Communities can invest in renewable energy sources and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels.
- Disaster preparedness: Communities can develop disaster preparedness plans and build early warning systems to reduce loss of life and property in the event of a disaster.
Communities can build self-governance and self-reliance for climate change resiliency in many ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Develop community-based climate change plans. These plans should identify the community’s vulnerabilities to climate change and be used to develop strategies to address them.
- Invest in local renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects. This will help to reduce the community’s reliance on fossil fuels and make it more resilient to rising energy prices and lack of availability.
- Develop local food systems. This will help to ensure that the community has access to food even if global food supply chains are disrupted.
- Protect and restore ecosystems. Ecosystems play an important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. For example, wetlands can help to protect coastal communities from 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 are more likely to:
- be able to respond quickly and effectively to the impacts of climate change
- be able to develop and implement adaptation strategies that are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances
- be less vulnerable to disruptions in global supply chains and other external shocks
- be more able to build and maintain social cohesion during times of crisis
Activity
Write a letter to your community leaders explaining why it is essential to be self-governing and self-reliant. Mention how it will improve the climate change resiliency of your community.