Mucahid Mustafa Bayrak

Abstract

The climate crisis demands a critical reassessment of adaptation, vulnerability, and resilience, particularly for smallholder and Indigenous farmers who, despite their adaptability, face disproportionate risks. This talk examines adaptation through a political ecology lens, with case studies from Taiwan and Vietnam, arguing that it is often framed as a neoliberal construct—shifting responsibility onto farmers rather than addressing deeper structural inequalities. By reframing these concepts, we can foster bottom-up strategies that not only enhance climate resilience but also challenge broader social and power imbalances. This discussion will specifically engage with climate adaptation scholarship relevant to East Asia.