ABSTRACT
The preceding chapters have explained the profound energy transition and policy reforms necessary to limit the rise in global temperatures to three or four degrees Fahrenheit, the increase agreed in the Copenhagen Accord as the maximum that is tolerable. Some have argued against taking action, claiming that the US can readily limit damages by adapting to climate change. This chapter comes to a much more pessimistic conclusion. Adaptation to climate change has lagged badly and faces serious obstacles. Depending only on adaptation to limit future damages would be reckless.
