Framing the Climate-Development Nexus in the European Union

Publication Date: 
06 February 2017
Publisher: 
Taylor & Francis
Publication Place: 
London
Publication Language: 
EN
Appearing in: 
Third World Thematics
Volume: 
1
Issue: 
4
Pages: 
437-453
DOI: 
10.1080/23802014.2016.1286947
Abstract: 

This paper aims to assess the framing of adaptation in the development discourse of the European Union (EU). Theoretically, three frames (security, growth and justice/equity) are constructed. Overall, we find clear traces of the EU’s normative aspirations as a global actor. Instead of framing climate change as a national or global security threat, human security implications of climate change are emphasised, representing it as a threat to individual livelihoods. Justice/equity considerations are also voiced, acknowledging the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries. In terms of agency, we find mostly a global, top-down framing of adaptation in developing countries.

Keywords: 
Development cooperation, climate change, climate adaptation, framing analysis, European Union