1 - Scale Mismatches and Disasters
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Understanding Scale Mismatches
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Today, we're discussing scale mismatches in disasters. Can anyone tell me what that might mean?
Does it mean that disasters affect different areas differently?
Exactly! Disasters can have both local and global effects. For example, a tsunami might completely change a specific community, while snow cover reduction can impact crops globally. Let's remember 'L-G' for Local-Global impacts!
How do local communities adapt to these changes?
Great question! Adaptation often includes cultural practices that have evolved over time due to environmental conditions. A perfect example is found in the Philippines.
What about the cultural identity there?
The cultural identity in the Philippines showcases a variety of adaptations. For instance, rice culture is essential; it’s more than just food, it’s tied to rituals and community bonds. Let's summarize: disasters impact communities on multiple scales and cultural practices help communities adapt.
Cultural Practices and Community Resilience
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Next, let’s explore how cultural identity functions during a crisis. Can someone explain what Regina Mapua Lim did regarding cultural settlements?
She looked at traditional settlements in the Philippines, right?
Yes! She analyzed how cultural identities shape responses to disasters. Remember the term 'Cultural Framework.' It helps us understand the connections.
What are some examples of cultural responses?
One example is the communal rice harvest and rituals. These practices not only serve as food gathering but also strengthen community ties. Every ritual is an opportunity to redistribute resources.
And what about the language aspect?
Language is key to rituals too! It creates shared understanding and negotiations over resources. To sum up, cultural practices are vital for resilience, bolstering community ties and resource sharing.
Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture
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Let's dive into how climate change specifically impacts agriculture. Who can tell me about snow cover effects?
Snow cover has been reducing over the years.
Correct! Initially, it was 8 months of snow cover, now it’s down to 6. This brings potential benefits for crop yields but also negative impacts. We can think of 'YIELD' (Yields, Impacts, Environment, Livelihood, Disasters) as a memory aid.
What’s the downside?
Increased temperatures can affect health and living conditions. So, although farmers might gain short-term yields, the long-term effects could be detrimental. Let's summarize: climate change has both positive and negative effects on agricultural practices.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
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The section discusses the disparities between local and global scales regarding disaster impacts, such as climate change and cultural responses. It highlights how communities adapt and maintain their cultural identity amidst environmental changes, using examples from the Philippines, where diverse cultures intersect with traditional practices and environmental challenges.
Detailed
Detailed Summary of Scale Mismatches and Disasters
This section explores the concept of scale mismatches in relation to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change. It describes specific local impacts in regions like Banda Aceh post-tsunami, illustrating how disasters affect communities on a local scale. For instance, while changes in snow cover may offer farmers a potential benefit of increased crop yield, it also poses significant health and environmental risks.
The discussion continues with Regina Mapua Lim’s work on traditional settlements in the Philippines, emphasizing the rich tapestry of cultural identity shaped by geography and environmental changes. We learn that the Philippines consists of over 7,000 islands with more than 120 ethnolinguistic groups, each with unique ways of life and communal practices.
Additionally, the section highlights the importance of traditional practices such as rice harvesting and communal feasting, which not only serve as indicators of cultural identity but also act as mechanisms of resource redistribution and community cooperation during times of crisis. The significance of language in the ritual negotiations surrounding resource-sharing rights is also noted, demonstrating how cultural practices are intertwined with environmental and economic conditions. Overall, the section emphasizes the critical interplay between cultural identity, environmental factors, and community resilience in the context of disasters.
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Understanding Scale Mismatches
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So for instance scale mismatches and if you look at any particular settlement like this is Banda Aech before tsunami and after tsunami, and it is being focused in that particular spatial level where it has an impact with the disaster with a little tsunami or an earthquake.
Detailed Explanation
Scale mismatches refer to the differences between the level at which data is collected and analyzed, and the scale at which impacts occur. For example, examining Banda Aceh before and after a tsunami shows us that disasters can affect specific locations in profound ways. Understanding the local level impacts versus broader geographical data allows us to see how different areas might respond to disasters based on local characteristics.
Examples & Analogies
Think of scale mismatches like measuring rainfall. If you measure rain in a small garden, you may find it floods easily. However, if you look at a whole city, the areas of flooding may be very different. The local experience of a disaster, like a flood, can be vastly different depending on the neighborhood, just as the experiences of Banda Aceh were unique at a localized level compared to broader regional studies.
Negative and Positive Impacts of Climate Change
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So earlier it was 8 months snow cover, now it is six months, now it is gradually reducing. So they have both positive and negative impacts. For instance, the farmers say yes, snow coverage less so we may get an extra crop but there will also other impacts; the temperature is increasing on it, and it has impacts on the health and as well as the communities the way they live.
Detailed Explanation
Climate change has complex effects that can be viewed as both positive and negative. In this case, a decrease in snow coverage means farmers might have an opportunity to grow an extra crop due to a longer growing season. However, this comes at the price of rising temperatures which can affect community health and daily living conditions, indicating that benefits may emerge alongside significant challenges.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine getting a new phone that has a better camera, which is great for taking pictures. However, the same phone might also heat up quickly and have a battery that drains faster. The new features are exciting, but they bring complications, just like how climate change can bring both increased agricultural opportunities and rising local health challenges.
Cultural Response to Climate Change
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Like for instance, we are also I want to bring you that when we talk about culture you know how this culture is related to climate change and disaster risk reduction. So I would like to bring one of the important contribution of Regina Mapua Lim where she talks about the Philippines cultural identity on traditional settlements in development.
Detailed Explanation
This chunk highlights the relationship between culture and the challenges posed by climate change. Regina Mapua Lim's work emphasizes how cultural identities in the Philippines, particularly in traditional settlements, are shaped by and respond to climate impacts. By examining these cultural structures within the context of development, we gain insights into how communities can adapt to climate change while retaining their identity.
Examples & Analogies
Think about how local traditions influence responses to climate change. For instance, some communities might have harvest festivals that help them celebrate the importance of agriculture. These cultural practices can also facilitate discussions around how to adapt to climate challenges, much like traditional knowledge helps indigenous groups sustain their practices while facing modern environmental issues.
Vernacular Settlements and Resilience
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So these vernacular settlements are located in different terrains within ecosystems creating economies, or ways of living particular to culture place and people.
Detailed Explanation
Vernacular settlements are communities built by local residents using traditional methods and materials. They reflect the cultural heritage and specific environmental contexts of the people living there. Each settlement's unique response to its ecosystem fosters resilience, which is crucial when facing climate change challenges, as the way these communities live is closely tied to their specific surroundings.
Examples & Analogies
Like a cozy living room that is arranged to maximize comfort based on its size and shape, vernacular settlements adapt to their environments in a way that makes them resilient to climate impacts. Just as furniture placement affects how enjoyable a room is, the way communities design their homes based on local environmental factors impacts their adaptability and survival.
Cultural Identity and Agricultural Practices
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For instance, and some of these rice harvesting culture, where these mountain people like they have these rice harvesting as one of the important livelihood source.
Detailed Explanation
Rice harvesting in mountainous regions not only serves as a primary livelihood but also reflects the cultural significance tied to it. The act of sharing and participating in rice harvesting rituals is an important aspect of community identity. These practices reinforce community ties and showcase how cultural traditions can foster cooperation for survival, especially in discussing resource management.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine throwing a neighborhood barbecue where everyone brings a dish. Not only does everyone enjoy good food, but the event builds community. Similarly, rice harvesting ceremonies allow families to work and celebrate together, promoting a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for resources.
Key Concepts
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Scale Mismatch: The difference between how local and global impacts are experienced during disasters.
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Cultural Identity: The unique practices and beliefs that shape a community's response to environmental changes.
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Community Resilience: The ability of communities to adapt and recover from disasters while maintaining their cultural integrity.
Examples & Applications
The reduction of snow cover has led farmers to potentially harvest more crops; however, the resulting health risks and environmental changes must be taken into account.
In the Philippines, the cultural practices surrounding rice harvesting serve as both a livelihood and a means for community gathering and resource-sharing.
Memory Aids
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Rhymes
Scale mismatch, not a simple catch; local feels much more, global's a distant lore.
Stories
Imagine a village affected by a flood, their culture intertwined with the land, they gather, share, and rebuild their life together, ensuring no one is left behind.
Memory Tools
RICH - Resilience in Culture and Health serves as a guide to community interactions post-disaster.
Acronyms
C-R-E-A-T-E - Cultural responses, resource exchanges, adapting to environmental changes.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Scale Mismatch
The discrepancy between local and global impacts of disasters.
- Cultural Framework
An analytical structure to understand cultural identity and practices.
- Community Resilience
The ability of a community to recover from disasters while retaining its cultural identity.
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