Prehistoric pathways to Anthropocene adaptation: Evidence from the Red River Delta, Vietnam

Main author: Rabett, R. J.
Other authors: Morimoto, Risa
Kahlert, T.
Stimpson, C. M.
O’Donnell, S.
Mai Huong, N. T.
Manh, B. V.
Holmes, R.
Khánh, Phạm Sinh
Van, Tran Tan
Coward, F.
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-39455
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description Over the past twenty years, government advisory bodies have placed increasing emphasis on the need for adaptive measures in response to the effects of human-induced climate change. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), which incorporate macroeconomic and climate variables, feature prominently in advisory content, though they rarely draw on data from outside strictly constrained hypothetical systems. This has led to assertions that they are not well-suited to approximate complex systemic human-environment processes. Modular, interdisciplinary approaches have offered a way to address this shortcoming; however, beyond climate records, prehistoric data continue to be under-utilised in developing such models. In this paper we highlight the contribution that archaeology and palaeoecology can make to the development of the next generation IAMs that are expected to enhance provision for more local and pro-active adaptations to future climate change. We present data from one of Southeast Asia’s most heavily developed river deltas: the Red River (Song Hong) Delta, in Vietnam and localised analysis from the Tràng An Landscape Complex World Heritage Site, on the delta’s southern margin. Comparison is made between Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) 5–8.5 and SSP2–4.5 emission projection models and the Mid-Holocene inundation of the Red River Basin. We highlight the value to taking a scientific long view of coastal evolution through an illustrative set of eight research foci where palaeo-data can bring new and localised empirical data to bear on future risk management planning. We proceed to demonstrate the applicability of palaeoenvironmental, zooarchaeological and historical evidence to management and the development of sustainable conservation strategies using Tràng An as a case study. In so doing, we further highlight the importance of knowledge exchange between scientific, corporate, non-governmental, local, and state stakeholders to achieve tangible results on the ground.
format Journal Article
author Rabett, R. J.
author_facet Rabett, R. J.
Morimoto, Risa
Kahlert, T.
Stimpson, C. M.
O’Donnell, S.
Mai Huong, N. T.
Manh, B. V.
Holmes, R.
Khánh, Phạm Sinh
Van, Tran Tan
Coward, F.
authorStr Rabett, R. J.
author_letter Rabett, R. J.
author2 Morimoto, Risa
Kahlert, T.
Stimpson, C. M.
O’Donnell, S.
Mai Huong, N. T.
Manh, B. V.
Holmes, R.
Khánh, Phạm Sinh
Van, Tran Tan
Coward, F.
author2Str Morimoto, Risa
Kahlert, T.
Stimpson, C. M.
O’Donnell, S.
Mai Huong, N. T.
Manh, B. V.
Holmes, R.
Khánh, Phạm Sinh
Van, Tran Tan
Coward, F.
title Prehistoric pathways to Anthropocene adaptation: Evidence from the Red River Delta, Vietnam
publisher Public Library of Science
publishDate 2023
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/39455/