Actions taken to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. It involves various strategies across different sectors, aiming to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience in the face of climate-related hazards. Adaptation focuses on adjusting to climate impacts, while mitigation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit climate change. This includes infrastructure upgrades, nature-based solutions, and policy changes that enhance climate resilience and reduce reliance on carbon-intensive recovery efforts.
Why It Matters
Climate change is already affecting Southeast Asia, bringing stronger typhoons, heatwaves, and unpredictable rainfall.
Adaptation ensures that people, businesses, and economies can function despite climate disruptions while reducing long-term reliance on carbon-intensive emergency responses.
Unlike mitigation (which reduces emissions), adaptation focuses on minimizing risks and damages while incorporating strategies that also enhance carbon sequestration.
Types of Adaptation
Structural Adaptation: Physical interventions such as flood barriers, seawalls, and climate-resilient buildings that protect against extreme weather and rising sea levels while integrating low-carbon materials and designs.
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation: Utilizing natural ecosystems like mangroves, forests, and wetlands to regulate water flow, reduce erosion, act as natural storm buffers, and sequester carbon.
Policy and Governance Adaptation: Implementing regulations, insurance programs, and urban planning strategies that integrate climate risks into decision-making processes while promoting sustainable development.
Behavioral Adaptation: Encouraging changes in human behavior, such as disaster preparedness training, efficient water usage, and sustainable agricultural practices that also minimize emissions.
The figure above shows the adaptation policy cycle and support offered under the UN Climate Change regime.
