Abbey Abramson

  Philippine local boss system and corruption The Local Boss System: Patronage, Gatekeepers, and Community Voices Why local political economy makes or breaks climate action Imagine a coastal town in the Philippines , where the sound of crashing waves is an integral part of its residents' daily lives. One season, torrential rains threaten to flood the town, and the local community anxiously awaits the construction of a protective dike. The decision on where to build the dike seems straightforward, but as the locals quickly learn, it is anything but. Dikes, drains, mangroves, waterworks, early-warning systems: these rise or fall in the arena of local power. Budgets may be approved in capitals, but who gets listed, which contractor is picked, where to site the work, and whose complaints are heard are decided in barangays, wards, gram panchayats, and municipalities. In many developing contexts, local politics is mediated by patronage and clientelist exchange : resources and favors flo...

Coastal resilience through ecosystem conservation Coastal Resilience Through Ecosystems Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, are crucial in enhancing resilience to climate impacts such as storm surges, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise. These natural systems act as barriers against extreme weather events, protect biodiversity, and sequester carbon, making them integral to climate adaptation strategies. This section explores the importance of coastal ecosystems, their benefits, and ongoing restoration efforts . Mangroves and Salt Marshes for Coastal Protection Mangroves and salt marshes are vital ecosystems for buffering coastlines against storm surges and erosion while providing habitats for diverse marine species. Storm surge mitigation is one of the vital benefits provided by mangroves, as they play a significant role in dissipating wave energy and reducing storm surge heights. This natural defense mechanism is crucial for p...

  Nature-Based Solutions for Adaptation Mangroves planting Nature-based solutions (NbS) harness the power of ecosystems to address climate challenges, providing a sustainable and cost-effective approach to adaptation. These solutions integrate natural processes with human interventions to enhance climate resilience while delivering a range of co-benefits , including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration, and improved livelihoods. This section explores the principles of NbS, highlights successful case studies, and examines their role in adapting to a changing climate. Principles of Nature-Based Solutions Nature-based solutions (NbS) emphasize using ecosystems to mitigate climate risks while promoting sustainability, adaptability, and community engagement. A key aspect of these solutions involves restoring and protecting degraded ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, and mangroves. This restoration enhances ecosystems' ability to absorb carbon, regulate water flows, a...