Responsible Adaptation: Climate change and corporate engagement in Cambodia’s agricultural sector A multi-scalar perspective

Abstract

This book aims to bring greater understanding of how businesses can be climate leaders to help societies to become more resilient. Drawing on multi-scalar and mixed-methods research conducted over three years in Cambodia’s agricultural sector, it presents the results of an investigation which occurred at different levels and with a wide range of stakeholders: women and men farming in remote areas and facing significant climate change impacts, with individual agribusinesses engaging with these local communities, with government agencies and policymakers, and within international business and related networks. Key findings show that while adaptation funding and action are advancing, outcomes fall short for all but leave the most vulnerable behind, ultimately bringing into question what it means to give private, for profit actors the reins to a public good. Corporate engagement in adaptation—in essence the liberalization of adaption and the privatization of adaptation governance—must adhere to international responsible business principles which are crucial for sustainable development. Toward this end, the book aims to effect practical change by merging two currently de-linked debates—climate change adaptation and responsible business—to put forth a number of principles for Responsible Adaptation.