From Past to Present: Cultural Infrastructure for Climate Adaptation – a Methodological Framework

<p dir="ltr">This thesis delves into the crucial role that Aboriginal cultural infrastructure, including traditional stories, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and observations of TEK (OTEK), might play in improving climate adaptation strategies in Australia. It highlights how Indigenous knowledge, developed through generations of close interaction with the natural world, offers valuable insights into building resilience to climate change. Guided by Indigenous Standpoint Theory, the research introduces a framework that looks to cultural infrastructure as a way to bring multiple layers of Indigenous knowledge into mainstream climate policies, giving it the same importance as physical infrastructure like roads and buildings. This approach bridges the gap between Indigenous knowledge systems and modern climate policies by creating a method for incorporating traditional practices and ecological insights into disaster management and climate adaptation planning.</p><p dir="ltr">The approach set out in the study provides a clear framework for integrating cultural infrastructure—stories, TEK, and observations of TEK—into adaptation policies, ensuring that solutions are more inclusive and tailored to localised contexts. In the thesis, I will consider the stories (historical observations) in the long term, weather knowledge (relational patterns of knowing) in the medium-term and connecting with Country (current observations) in the short term. By drawing on traditional stories and ecological observations, the framework shows how Indigenous perspectives can help predict environmental changes and offer critical and timely adaptation measures. The thesis also includes a policy analysis investigating the limits of current climate adaptation policy and practice. The ethical handling of traditional stories is addressed, with a focus on respecting Indigenous ownership of knowledge and ensuring these stories are used in a culturally sensitive way.</p><p dir="ltr">Ultimately, this research outlines a more rigorous approach to blending Indigenous cultural infrastructure with global climate adaptation efforts. It champions sustainable strategies honouring cultural diversity and placing Indigenous communities at the heart of climate resilience planning. In doing so, it seeks to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of both Indigenous and wider communities.</p>