Flood Risks and Governance: Rethinking the Multi-Dimensional Limits of Adaptation to Climate Change

As climate risks enter into social systems, they are mitigated, adapted to, coped with, or succumbed to by human communities. These human/environmental interactions are complex, and are often mediated by social institutions. This paper will present the case study of repetitive flooding in the US as an outcome of complex socio-ecological drivers, including climate change impacts. Governance structures, policies, and regulations are key features of the adaptation opportunities for communities who experience repetitive flooding. In this paper we will see how these governance structures can open opportunity for some communities to adapt, and limit adaptation possibilities for others.