An Introduction to Climate Adaptation
For years, I saw climate mitigation as the ultimate answer to the climate crisis. And while addressing the root cause—emissions—is essential, it’s not enough. Progress has been slow, and the effects of our changing climate are becoming more devastating. When disaster hit my own community, I saw firsthand why adaptation and resilience are just as critical as mitigation. We can’t afford to wait for industries and governments to act. We must brace for impact and empower our communities to transform social systems, infrastructure, and natural environments so they can withstand and recover from climate disasters.
Adaptation is more than survival—it’s about reducing loss, protecting lives, and ensuring equitable, long-term community wellbeing.
Restoring loʻi kalo on Maui
Restoring natural systems like these loʻi kalo can support climate resilience by acting as a natural water reservoir, filtering sediment and increasing food security.
According to the Global Center for Adaptation,
“Climate adaptation means taking action to prepare for and adjust to the current and projected impacts of climate change.”
However, adaptation can only happen if we truly understand those impacts. That’s why climate research, modeling, and predictive tools are vital—they help us understand the challenges ahead and develop sustainable solutions. (Check out this EPA page for a look at impactful climate tools.)
Strategies for a Changing Climate
There are many ways to build resilient communities, and adaptation strategies can take many forms: structural, such as green buildings, elevating structures, and using heat-resistant materials; nature-based, like wetland restoration, planting urban trees, and rain gardens; and social or policy-based, including early warning systems, economic incentives, and community outreach programs.
While these can be effective strategies, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each community faces unique risks and requires a localized effort to develop relevant strategies. Around the world, we’re seeing more adaptation and resilience plans being developed at the national and local levels. While this progress is exciting, solutions must be examined holistically—considering their impacts on economic, social, and natural systems. A strategy that solves one problem can sometimes create another.
It’s good practice to ask the following questions when considering adaptation solutions:
What issues are directly linked to the problem we’re trying to solve?
Could this solution unintentionally create new challenges?
Who is impacted, and in what ways?
Does this solution consider projected climate impacts?
By taking a long-term, systems-based approach, we can minimize unintended consequences, reduce inequities, and strengthen resilience.
Thinking in Systems
This graphic highlights fundamentals of systems thinking that can support the development of more holistic, sustainable solutions.
How Communities Can Lead the Way
Communities can take action to build resilience by conducting vulnerability assessments to identify climate risks and developing local solutions that uplift equity and protect or strengthen their economic, social, and natural systems.
An essential part of this process is engaging diverse stakeholders and community members in identifying risks, issues, and concerns. This approach helps to minimize unintended consequences, reduce inequities, and build essential support needed for long-term resilience.
Community engagement plans should inspire and educate individuals about the importance of adaptation initiatives. Too often, municipalities fail to effectively communicate plans with the public, leaving another well-intended document to gather dust on the shelf. Creative communication can bring a plan to life and encourage collaboration and action. Check out my article on effective climate communication.
A successful adaptation plan actively involves the community in its creation and implementation, ensuring its relevance and sustainability.
Adapting to climate change requires careful consideration of climate impacts, a systems approach to developing solutions, end-to-end community engagement, and a clear and effective communication plan. Our communities must take action now to prepare for extreme weather events and our changing environment.
Check with your local or state municipality to see if your community has an adaptation and resilience plan. Explore ways to get involved and advocate for inclusive solutions!
