The BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Climate Change has gone in this thirteenth edition to Neil Adger, Ian Burton and Karen O’Brien for changing the paradigm of climate change action, previously confined to mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions, by folding in the concept of adaptation to unavoidable impacts.

Why we can no longer afford to ignore the case for climate adaptation. Scientists couldn't agree for years about the best way to fight global warming—now we know we need to both cut emissions, and adapt.

BY MADELINE OSTRANDER

Having worked with governments and international agencies worldwide, Dr. Burton is one of Canada’s leading climate change scientists and one of the pioneers in the field of climate change adaptation. We sat down with Dr. Burton for an interview in his Toronto home over a strong cup of shade-grown coffee. Interview by Lily Yumagulova, Editor, HazNet