The Basics

Even if we could stop the release of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tomorrow, the impact of past emissions would still be with us for some time. This is because of the 50-year lag between when we release GHGs and when start to observe their effect.  Consequently, some degree of climate change is inevitable.   

Adaptation is about making adjustments to the way we live, in order to better take advantage of new opportunities and challenges arising from inevitable changes in climate.  Adaptation may require changes in how we construct our roads and buildings to ensure that our infrastructure is designed to withstand new climate conditions.  It may also require changes in how we prepare for, and respond to, extreme events like storms, floods and droughts, since these impacts are expected to worsen in coming years.

Basic information and resources are needed to build society's capacity to adapt to climate change.  Targeted adaptation actions are also needed to lessen climate risks and to protect vulnerable groups.  These actions can be categorized as: 

• Anticipatory adaptation means taking proactive measures before climate impacts occur.  This approach follows a similar philosophy to that of the precautionary principle.  Examples include developing emergency preparedness plans, for instance, or early heat alert warning systems. 

• Natural adaptation (Spontaneous/Autonomous) is adaptation that happens on its own. Tourists come when the climate is right.  As the sea level rises, new construction moves inland. Species move north with warmer weather.

• Planned adaptation (Intervention) is adaptation that requires immediate action to address a current impact or vulnerability.  Strengthening a building which has weathered an extreme event for instance, or the re-topping of a dyke to ensure it doesn’t flood again.