Climate change adaptation refers to actions aimed at reducing vulnerability to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, sea-level rise, biodiversity loss, and food or water insecurity. It involves adjustments in ecological, social, and economic systems to help both humans and nature cope with these changes and minimize losses and damages.
Adaptation measures include changes in behaviour, infrastructure, and policies. Examples range from floodplain restoration and setting up early warning systems for cyclones to implementing nature-based solutions in cities, adopting drought-resistant crops, redesigning communication systems, rethinking business operations, and updating government policies.
Adaptation is an essential component of the long-term global response to climate change, helping to protect people, livelihoods, and ecosystems.