One human settlement: A transdisciplinary approach to climate change adaptation research S. Serrao-Neumann a, *, G. Schuch a , B. Harman b , F. Crick c , M. Sano d , O. Sahin e , R. van Staden f , S. Baum g , D. Low Choy a a Urban Research Program, School of Environment, Griffith University, Australia b CSIRO Land and Water Flagship, Dutton Park, Australia c London School of Economics, UK d Centre for Coastal Management, Griffith University, Australia e School of Engineering, Griffith University, Australia f College of Engineering and Science, Structural Mechanics and Materials Research Group, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia g School of Environment, Griffith University, Australia 1. Introduction Even in the event of aggressive climate change mitigation efforts, some degree of climate change is unavoidable, necessitating adaptation (Agrawal, Lemos, Orlove, & Ribot, 2012; Solomon et al., 2007). Climate change impacts and adaptation responses transcend disciplinary boundaries that underpin the structure and functioning of many research enterprises, are intertwined with socio-political context as well as biophysical variables, and require the participation of stakeholders to produce socially acceptable outcomes (Carew & Wickson, 2010). Furthermore, climate change adaptation Futures xxx (2014) xxx–xxx * Corresponding author. Tel.: +61 737355275. E-mail address: s.serrao-neumann@griffith.edu.au (S. Serrao-Neumann). ARTICLE INFO Article history: Available online xxx Keywords: Australia Scenario planning Action-research Collaboration Knowledge-sharing ABSTRACT The threat of climate change demands that human settlements adapt to unavoidable impacts. Climate change is a complex problem that requires traditional disciplines to work together to facilitate an integrated and coordinated response to its impacts. Transdisci- plinary research approaches have been recognised for being well placed to aid responses to complex problems such as climate change. This paper draws on the experience of the South East Queensland Climate Adaptation Research Initiative (SEQCARI), Australia, to reflect upon the challenges involved in undertaking transdisciplinary research aimed at developing and improving a range of adaptation options for specific sectors as well as across sectors. Challenges and learning’s are discussed based on the three phases of transdisciplinary research processes: problem framing and team building, co-creation of solution-oriented transferable knowledge, and (re)integration and application of created knowledge. Four key insights are then discussed to advance transdisciplinary research approaches for climate change adaptation: adoption of a dynamic learning approach such as learning-by-doing/ doing-by-learning to provide sufficient flexibility and scope to navigate potential barriers and conflicts; selection of social sciences to drive integration; choice of one sector as a platform for integration; and acknowledgement of existing barriers and limitations associated with the political context in which the research takes place. ß 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. G Model JFTR-1953; No. of Pages 13 Please cite this article in press as: Serrao-Neumann, S., et al. One human settlement: A transdisciplinary approach to climate change adaptation research. Futures (2014), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2014.08.011 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Futures journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/futures http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2014.08.011 0016-3287/ß 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.