ABSTRACT
Abstract: In this chapter, we summarize the main lessons to emerge from the case studies presented in this book. A number of common themes have been highlighted as important characteristics of an effective response to climate change that proactively builds adaptive capacity and resilience and fosters sustainable coastal development. On the evidence of these case studies, we conclude that adaptation at the coast would benet from being responsive, deliberative, transformative, holistic, integrative, inclusive, equitable, and empowering. We develop these characteristics into a conceptual framework that we term reflexive adaptation that, we believe, will help communities better understand and address distinctive features of the challenge presented by climate change. A set of priority actions, also drawn from the case studies, is outlined to help guide coastal communities translate this concept of reexive adaptation into practical reality. A nal, and particularly encouraging, conclusion that can be drawn from the case studies is that the process of social learning required to adapt to a changing climate is well underway. The challenge is to convert adaptation barriers into enablers of change. This is a monumental task, but, as the case studies show, momentum is growing to chart new adaptation pathways.
