By Diksha Gupta, Transitions Research, Prerna Singh, Transitions Research, and Mihir R. Bhatt, AIDMI, India

What happens when diverse minds from across the Global South come together to tackle extreme heat? Adaptation to climate change is not a solitary journey but a collective endeavour shaped by diverse perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. This is the driving force behind the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA)’s Tracking, Learning, and Sharing (TLS) initiative.

This summer, Transitions Research led the TLS programme, bringing together organisations from Bangladesh to Indonesia for a dynamic exchange of strategies to adapt to the growing impacts of extreme heat. For the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI), the Asia Pacific TLS Symposium acted as a catalyst for their collaborative initiatives focused on adapting to extreme heat. This event highlighted the transformative power of shared knowledge and positively influenced their approach to adaptation efforts in response to extreme heat. As AIDMI and Transitions Research reflect on the workshop, several key themes emerge that underline the importance of collaboration and shared learning in advancing adaptation.

Adaptation Beyond the Conventional Approach

Adaptation often begins as a technical or institutional response, but the TLS engagements reveal deeper dimensions. Discussions during the symposiums underscored that adaptation is as much about addressing power dynamics, fostering democracy, and confronting inequalities as it is about responding to environmental and climatic changes.

AIDMI’s discussions with Chiranjibi Bhattarai from the Nepal Water Conservation Foundation and Cho Cho Shwe from Myanmar highlighted the importance of framing adaptation strategies within their historical and social contexts. These insights prompted AIDMI to reconsider its approach in India and incorporate a more holistic perspective into its initiatives aimed at helping small businesses adapt to extreme heat in six cities. The key takeaway is that technical solutions should be grounded in the social and historical realities of the communities they intend to serve.

The workshop emphasised that adaptation is closely connected to both mitigation and resilience. A discussion with Javed Hussain from the Sindh Community Foundation in Pakistan highlighted the interrelation of these efforts. This encouraged AIDMI and other ARA members to consider integrated approaches.

Effective Knowledge-Sharing Practices

One of the symposium’s most valuable lessons was the power of effective knowledge-sharing practices. Whether through case studies or collaborative workshops, participants left with tools and insights they could immediately apply. For AIDMI, the idea of “seeing like the others” was particularly impactful.

Collaborations with organisations like SERAC Bangladesh, Alternative Futures in India, and Kota Kita Foundation in Indonesia brought new tools, methods, and perspectives that strengthened AIDMI’s extreme heat adaptation efforts. These partnerships also demonstrated how framing adaptation as a public good can amplify its societal impact.

Case studies presented by Dr. Soundarya Iyer and Dr. Yanling Yee showcased the power of storytelling and face-to-face engagement in creating deep, actionable insights.

However, the most significant lesson for AIDMI was the importance of viewing its own adaptation measures through a multidimensional lens.

The Role of Global Networks in Local Adaptation

A major theme at the symposium was the role of global networks in driving local adaptation efforts. For instance, discussions about subaltern rights and elite resistance shed light on how global frameworks often clash with local realities. Yet, organisations like Mahila Housing Trust in India demonstrated that empowering women in urban slums to lead adaptation efforts can break down these barriers.

For AIDMI, this was a reminder that adaptation isn’t just about implementing international frameworks—it’s about adapting those frameworks to fit local needs. Striking this balance is a challenge, but it’s also where the most transformative change can occur.

Moving Forward with Collective Knowledge

The TLS symposium wasn’t just about sharing knowledge; it was about turning those lessons into action. For AIDMI, the next step involves piloting community-led adaptation initiatives in Indian cities. Inspired by examples from Bangladesh and Myanmar, they’re committed to making these efforts inclusive, participatory, and multidimensional.

For Transitions Research, the symposium reaffirmed the importance of fostering global-local linkages and creating spaces where diverse voices contribute to actionable strategies. The ARA TLS initiative reminds us that by harnessing collective knowledge, we can build a future where no community is left behind.