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Anthropology
Archaeology

The archaeology of climate change: The case for cultural diversity

Profile image of Francesco PausataFrancesco PausataProfile image of Ariane BurkeAriane Burke

2021, PNAS

https://doi.org/10.1073/PNAS.2108537118
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10 pages

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Abstract

Anthropogenic climate change is currently driving environmental transformation on a scale and at a pace that exceeds historical records. This represents an undeniably serious challenge to existing social, political, and economic systems. Humans have successfully faced similar challenges in the past, however. The archaeological record and Earth archives offer rare opportunities to observe the complex interaction between environmental and human systems under different climate regimes and at different spatial and temporal scales. The archaeology of climate change offers opportunities to identify the factors that promoted human resilience in the past and apply the knowledge gained to the present, contributing a much-needed, long-term perspective to climate research. One of the strengths of the archaeological record is the cultural diversity it encompasses, which offers alternatives to the solutions proposed from within the Western agro-industrial complex, which might not be viable cross-culturally. While contemporary climate discourse focuses on the importance of biodiversity, we highlight the importance of cultural diversity as a source of resilience. archaeology | climate change | cultural diversity | resilience | climate science

FAQs

sparkles

AI

What key role does cultural diversity play in climate change resilience?add

The study indicates cultural diversity is essential for human resilience, evidenced by varied historical adaptations to climate change throughout different cultures.

How does archaeological data contribute to climate change predictions?add

The paper shows archaeological records allow for insights into human-environment interactions, informing future climate models and responses based on past adaptations.

What methodologies enhance understanding of past human responses to climate change?add

Advancements in computational archaeology and climate modeling now allow for high-resolution analyses of human decision-making linked to environmental change.

How do contemporary Indigenous practices inform sustainable adaptation strategies?add

Indigenous knowledge systems have proven critical, maintaining biodiversity and informing long-term climate adaptation practices recognized in archaeological studies.

What challenges exist in integrating climatic and archaeological datasets?add

Conflicts arise from spatial associations, where proxy data from ice cores may not represent relevant conditions for human populations at different latitudes.

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