Adaptation to climate change became a popular subject in the late 2000s and early 2010s. But suddenly new words are upon us, transformation and resilience being the two most prominent. How do they relate to adaptation? Do we still need to talk about adaptation? The purpose of this website is to provide access to resources on adaptation, and at the same time ask some critical questions about what it is, what it isn’t and what it should be.
My name is Dr Lisa Schipper. This website also serves as my CV. I would describe myself as a critical adaptation scholar. My focus is on development and adaptation, social and cultural dimensions of vulnerability to climate change and natural hazards, and the links between (sustainable) development and adaptation. Almost all of my work has been in the Global South, including Central America, South and Southeast Asia and various countries in Africa and South America.
Some of my current activities include contributing to the IPCC 6th Assessment Report as a Co-ordinating Lead Author of the chapter on ‘Climate Resilient Development Pathways’. From March-December 2021, I was researcher on a project looking at equality, diversity and inclusion in research funding through Oxford University’s Research Services. I am also the co-Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal Climate and Development, where I was one of the founding Associate Editors. In addition, I teach at the University of Oxford and at the University of Vienna.
I am a mother and an animal lover, an advocate for peace and equality, and have been a vegetarian since I was 17 (that is nearly 30 years!). You will find me outside Vienna during most of the year, and in Sweden during the summer months.