Climate Adaptation, Interconnectedness, and Socio-Technical Systems

The study, “Adaptation of interconnected infrastructures to climate change: A socio-technical systems perspective,” examined the literature on climate adaptation of infrastructures. Built infrastructures and systems are the society’s backbone, the study states.

The papers analysed in the study shows the inter-connectedness and interdependencies of infrastructures, such as energy and transport. Still, the research of the interconnection from a socio-technical perspective remains lacking, the research paper says.

The study looks at infrastructure as complex socio-technical systems comprising many elements and connections. Networks such as roadways and electricity grids provide services and goods to society daily. Thus, there is a need to include social factors when shaping or adapting infrastructures, according to the paper.

The paper aims to provide an overview of the interconnectedness of infrastructures from the review of related literature.  There is a need for a qualitative type of study on the interdependencies of infrastructure, and the possible use of modelling based on a socio-technical paradigm that would provide more insight to policymakers on their adaptation measures (Chappin, Van der Lei, 2014).

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Source citation:

Chappin, E., & Van der Lei, T.E. (2014, December). Adaptation of interconnected infrastructures to climate change: A socio-technical systems perspective. Utilities Policy. 31. 10–17. 10.1016/j.jup.2014.07.003. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0957178714000472