Types of adaptation strategy

Use this table to stimulate thinking on the range of possible adaptation strategies.

Adaptation strategy type Notes
Use of risk-based policy and project appraisal process and techniques Proactive. Organisations that adopt risk assessment will be more flexible and better able to cope with climate risks.
Delay and buy-time Proactive. A delay strategy can help to deliver a better decision, if the delay time is used to improve your knowledge – for instance by combining it with research or monitoring.
Research Proactive or strategic. Use research to better understand climate risks and performance of adaptation options.
Monitoring Proactive: system performance monitoring. Reactive: climate impact monitoring.
Information supply, education, awareness-raising Proactive or reactive. Can be used to raise awareness of the need to adapt.
Contingency planning Strategic planning for low probability, high consequence events.
Diversification or bet-hedging Proactive technical or policy response.
Insurance Proactive, fiscal response.
Defend and manage Proactive or reactive technical measures.
Change of use Proactive or reactive. Includes planning responses, with or without technical measures
Retreat and abandon Proactive or reactive. Includes strategic planning response.
Safety factors, climate headroom, buffering measures Proactive or strategic. Includes technical and regulatory response.