Adaptation is the process of adjusting to the impacts of climate change. It encompasses a range of strategies aimed at building resilience, reducing vulnerabilities and safeguarding the well-being of human and natural systems. These strategies are context-specific so they will differ across sectors and regions. From designing resilient infrastructure to implementing sustainable agriculture practices, adaptation strategies involve a combination of physical, technological and institutional measures that are tailored to local needs.
Types of Adaptation:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) distinguishes various types of adaptation:
- Anticipatory Adaptation: Adaptation that takes place before impacts of climate change are observed. Also referred to as proactive adaptation
- Autonomous Adaptation: Adaptation that does not constitute a conscious response to climatic stimuli but is triggered by ecological changes in natural systems and by market or welfare changes in human systems. Also referred to as spontaneous adaptation
- Planned Adaptation: Adaptation that is the result of a deliberate policy decision, based on an awareness that conditions have changed or are about to change and that action is required to return to, maintain, or achieve a desired state
- Private Adaptation: Adaptation that is initiated and implemented by individuals, households or private companies. Private adaptation is usually in the actor’s rational self-interest
- Public Adaptation: Adaptation that is initiated and implemented by governments at all levels. Public adaptation is usually directed at collective needs
- Reactive Adaptation: Adaptation that takes place after impacts of climate change have been observed.
