A Matter of Meaning: Integrating the Deeper Human Dimensions of Climate Change Adaptation to Support Transformations to Sustainability in a Global Coffee Value Chain

Abstract

This thesis presents transdisciplinary research in climate change adaptation in Guatemalan coffee-producing communities, within the larger calls for transformation to sustainability. Through action research with actors in a global coffee value chain, the study seeks to understand why people make-meaning of climate change as they do, as well as how shared meaning and greater collaboration can be found within multi-actor groups. Attention is paid to human ‘interiority’ and processes of meaning-making as well as how these psychological and social aspects might be integrated in a more integral, transdisciplinary approach to adaptation. Findings include how a global coffee value chain is adapting and responding to the climate challenge, and how its innovations might be scaled. Additional insights are also provided regarding responses to COVID-19 pandemic compared to that of climate change, considering the significance of an integral approach to unprecedented, complex issues. The thesis is comprised of five articles which, taken together, consider how climate change adaptation can be engaged as transformative change.