What happens when diverse minds from across the Global South come together to tackle extreme heat? Adaptation to climate change is not a solitary journey but a collective endeavour shaped by diverse perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. This is the driving force behind the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA)’s Tracking, Learning, and Sharing (TLS) initiative.
This summer, Transitions Research led the TLS program that brought together organizations from Bangladesh to Indonesia, sparking a dynamic exchange of strategies to adapt to the intensifying impacts of extreme heat. For All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI), the Asia Pacific TLS Symposium event jumpstarted their collaborative efforts on extreme heat adaptation, reaffirming the transformative power of collective knowledge and shaping its approach to adaptation efforts in the context of extreme heat.
As AIDMI and Transitions Research reflect on the workshop, several key themes emerge that underline the importance of collaboration and shared learning in advancing adaptation.
Adaptation Beyond the Conventional Approach
Adaptation often begins as a technical or institutional response, but the TLS engagements reveal deeper dimensions. Discussions during the symposiums underscored that adaptation is as much about addressing power dynamics, fostering democracy, and confronting inequalities as it is about responding to environmental and climatic changes.
For instance, AIDMI’s interactions with Chiranjibi Bhattarai from the Nepal Water Conservation Foundation and Cho Cho Shwe from Myanmar illustrated how adaptation strategies must be framed within their historical and social contexts. These insights challenged AIDMI to rethink its work in India and embed a more holistic perspective into its extreme heat adaptation initiatives with small businesses across six cities. The takeaway? Technical solutions must be rooted in the social and historical realities of the communities they aim to serve.
Additionally, the workshop reinforced the idea that adaptation is intrinsically linked with mitigation and resilience. Discussions with Javed Hussain from the Sindh Community Foundation, Pakistan, shed light on the interconnectedness of these efforts, encouraging AIDMI and other ARA members to explore integrated approaches.
Effective Knowledge-Sharing Practices
One of the symposium’s most valuable lessons was the power of effective knowledge-sharing practices. Whether through case studies or collaborative workshops, participants left with tools and insights they could immediately apply. For AIDMI, the idea of “seeing like the others” was particularly impactful.
Collaborations with organisations like SERAC Bangladesh, Alternative Futures in India, and Kota Kita Foundation in Indonesia brought new tools, methods, and perspectives that strengthened AIDMI’s extreme heat adaptation efforts. These partnerships also demonstrated how framing adaptation as a public good can amplify its societal impact.
Case studies presented by Dr. Soundarya Iyer and Dr. Yanling Yee showcased the power of storytelling and face-to-face engagement in creating deep, actionable insights.
However, the most significant lesson for AIDMI was the importance of viewing its own adaptation measures through a multidimensional lens.
The Role of Global Networks in Local Adaptation
A major theme at the symposium was the role of global networks in driving local adaptation efforts. For instance, discussions about subaltern rights and elite resistance shed light on how global frameworks often clash with local realities. Yet, organizations like Mahila Housing Trust in India demonstrated that empowering women in urban slums to lead adaptation efforts can break down these barriers.
For AIDMI, this was a reminder that adaptation isn’t just about implementing international frameworks—it’s about adapting those frameworks to fit local needs. Striking this balance is a challenge, but it’s also where the most transformative change can occur.
Moving Forward with Collective Knowledge
The TLS symposium wasn’t just about sharing knowledge; it was about turning those lessons into action. For AIDMI, the next step involves piloting community-led adaptation initiatives in Indian cities. Inspired by examples from Bangladesh and Myanmar, they’re committed to making these efforts inclusive, participatory, and multidimensional.
For Transitions Research, the symposium reaffirmed the importance of fostering global-local linkages and creating spaces where diverse voices contribute to actionable strategies. The ARA TLS initiative reminds us that by harnessing collective knowledge, we can build a future where no community is left behind.
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This blog is jointly written by Diksha Gupta (Research Associate, Transitions Research) Mihir R. Bhatt (Director, AIDMI) and Prerna Singh (Programme Director, Climate Adaptation Learning Lab)
