The Great Adaptation tells the story of how scientists, governments and corporations have tried to deal with the challenge that climate change poses to capitalism by promoting adaptation to its consequences, rather than combating its causes. Since the 1970s, neoliberal economists and ideologues have used climate change as an argument for creating more "flexibility" in society, for promoting more market-based solutions to environmental and social questions. The Great Adaptation unveils the political economy of this potent movement, showing how some powerful actors are thriving in the face of dangerous climate change and even making a profit out of it.
Romain Felli is a lecturer in urban planning and the environment at the University of Geneva. He also works as a senior political advisor to the president of a regional government in Switzerland.
"This is an excellent and very important book."
– Geoff Man, Antipode