Though there is increasing recognition of the cultural dimensions that shape climate change adaptation, our experience from working with actors engaged in adaptation policy and practice suggests that the role of culture still tends to be conceived in overly narrow and fixed terms. This is exemplified in portrayals of conservative cultural norms as stifling positive change. A growing body of research across the world indicates that the reality is seldom as simple as this—culture works in complex and variable ways, and, most importantly, is inherently dynamic. Drawing especially from research work on vulnerability and adaptation conducted in semi‐arid regions, we illustrate this argument by briefly exploring three themes—multiple knowledge systems for farming in Botswana, the dynamics of pastoralist values and livelihoods in Kenya, and the interplay of caste and livelihood choices in India. Understanding how different facets of culture such as these operate in context helps move away from viewing culture statically as a barrier or enabler, and toward a more plural and dynamic appreciation of the role of culture in adaptation. This includes recognizing the potential for factors that may be construed as barriers to become enablers. Critical, balanced engagement with cultural dimensions in both research and practice, understanding and working with these dynamic social structures, is essential if adaptation is to create meaningful and lasting change for those who need it most.

中文翻译：

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文化作为适应气候变化的媒介：既不是静态的也不是单向的

尽管人们越来越认识到影响气候变化适应的文化因素，但我们与从事适应政策和实践的参与者合作的经验表明，文化的作用仍然倾向于过于狭窄和固定。保守的文化规范刻画了窒息积极的变化。全世界越来越多的研究表明，现实很少像这样简单—文化以复杂和多变的方式运作，最重要的是，它固有地是动态的。我们特别借鉴了半干旱地区在脆弱性和适应性方面的研究工作，通过简要探讨三个主题来阐述这一论点：博茨瓦纳的多种农业知识体系，肯尼亚的牧民价值观和生计动态，以及印度种姓和生计选择的相互作用。了解文化的不同方面如何在上下文中发挥作用，有助于从静态地将文化视为障碍或促成因素，而不再是对文化在适应中的作用的更加多元化和动态的理解。这包括认识到可能被解释为成为推动者的障碍的因素的潜力。如果适应要为最需要的人创造有意义和持久的变化，那么至关重要的是，必须在研究和实践中与文化层面保持平衡，均衡的接触，理解并与这些动态的社会结构合作，这一点至关重要。并对文化在适应中的作用更加多元化和充满活力。这包括认识到可能被解释为成为推动者的障碍的因素的潜力。如果适应要为最需要的人创造有意义和持久的变化，那么至关重要的是，必须在研究和实践中与文化层面保持平衡，均衡的接触，理解并与这些动态的社会结构合作，这一点至关重要。并对文化在适应中的作用更加多元化和充满活力。这包括认识到可能被解释为成为推动者的障碍的因素的潜力。如果适应要为最需要的人创造有意义和持久的变化，那么至关重要的是，必须在研究和实践中与文化层面保持平衡，均衡的接触，理解并与这些动态的社会结构合作，这一点至关重要。