ABSTRACT
Given the earlier discussion on the importance of climate change and the potential for significant changes to the earth’s climate over the twenty-first century and beyond, this chapter is aimed at discussing the societal basis for adaptation to climate change. Adaptation is about responding to the risks associated with climate vulnerability and building resilience in response to these risks. While it is hoped that the worst of the impacts will be avoided through mitigation actions, adaptation is essential to reduce the potential effects on society and ecosystems from unavoidable changes in the climate system. At the same time, and discussed further below, it is important to recognize that mitigation and adaptation policies can often be synergistic.
