Barriers and Limits to Adaptation: Cautionary Notes

Abstract

In this chapter, we provide a synthesis of the empirical chapters of this collection by examining what they reveal about the limits and barriers to climate change adaptation and the risk of maladaptation. The concept of adaptation is therefore central to this chapter. While there are many definitions and typologies of adaptation (e.g. Smit et al., 2000), adaptation here is understood as the process of adjusting to climate change. Adaptation takes one or more of four forms: Reducing the exposure of entities at risk; reducing the sensitivity of entities at risk; increasing the capacity of entities at risk to avoid risks; and taking advantage of new opportunities created by a changing climate. ..