Climate Change and Changing Values in Norway: Are there limits to adaptation? Karen O’Brien Department of Sociology and Human Geography University of Oslo, Norway

Values Something intrinsically desirable Context specific vs. universal Result from psychological needs and social interactions Related to needs, worldviews, and structures and stages of consciousness Differential Dynamic

Traditional structures Absolutistic values Mythic and ethnocentric worldview Conformist self-identity Rule-dominated cognition Key concerns related to climate change: loss of cultural identity or group identity Prioritized adaptations might recognize local knowledge, support traditional sectors and livelihoods, preserve cultural icons.

Modern structures Multiplistic values Rational, worldcentric worldview Conscientious self-identity Rational cognition Key concerns related to climate change: outcomes that affect material well-being Prioritized adaptations might emphasize technology and draw on results of cost- benefit analyses and future scenarios

Post-modern structures Relativistic values Pluralistic, worldcentric worldview Individualistic self-identity Meta-systemic cognition Key concerns related to climate change: ecosystem integrity, moral and ethical perspectives, social justice and equity. Prioritized adaptations might focus on the poor and marginalized, future generations, and the role of ecosystem services.

Values in Norway Traditional: rural areas, nature, family Modern: individualism, economic development, material wealth, technology, scientific progress Post-modern: Rejection of social hierarchies, promotion of equity across gender and class, and between rural and urban areas.

Snow cover changes in Norway Winter temperature increases of 2.5 – 4 o C by 2100; More winter precipitation in eastern Norway; 40% decrease in number of days with suitable skiing conditions by 2050 (compared to period)

Traditional values Snow cover is important to local and national identity Prioritized adaptations might preserve heritage, tradition, and identity (preservation of cultural landscapes and a sense of place) Challenge: to transform livelihoods and maintain a sense of community

Modern values Snow cover as a medium for winter sports (an important economic sector) Prioritized adaptations might focus on snow- making technologies, indoor snow domes, artificially cooled ski tracks Challenge: reconstruct or reinvent identity (identify new or niche markets)

Post-modern values Snow cover as a component of ecosystem integrity; distant impacts of climate change also a concern Prioritized adaptations might focus on adaptive management, building resilience, promoting sustainability. Challenge: promote mitigation as a form of adaptation

Can climate change adaptations take into account a spectrum of values that correspond to diverse human human needs and multiple persectives and worldviews?

Whose values count?