Economics of Climate Resilient Development

Module 2: How to Adapt Framework Overview

Step 3: Identify Adaptation Options

EACC Adaptation typology

Term Definition Example Source
Purchasing
Anticipatory/pro-active Adaptation that occurs before the effects of climate insurance,
adaptation change are evident. increasing capacity
of resevoirs
Adaptation that does not constitute a conscious response
to climatic stimuli, but rather is triggered by ecological
Shift in biological
Autonomous adaptation changes in natural systems and by market or welfare IPCC
diversity
changes in human systems. Also referred to as
spontaneous adaptation
Adaptation measures that usually imply the use of specific
Hard adaptation technologies and actions involving capital goods, such as Building a seawall World Bank
dikes, seawalls and reinforced buildings.
Involves decisions on large-scale planning and
investments with high irreversibility. In view of the
considerable consequences at stake, the significant Construction of
High-regrets adaptation investment costs and the long-lived nature of the long-lived World Bank
infrastructure, uncertainties in future climate projections infrastructure
play a crucial role when making decisions about whether
to implement high-regret adaptation measures.
Installing larger
Adaptation actions where moderate levels of investment
diameter drains to
increase the capacity to cope with future climate risks.
Low-regrets adaptation deal with expected World Bank
Typically, these involve over-specifying components in
increases in
new builds or refurbishment projects.
rainfall intensity
Actions which tend to increase vulnerability to climate Allowing
change. Maladaptive actions and processes often include development in
Maladaptation planned development policies and measures that deliver flood zones or low- UNDP
short-term gains or economic benefits but lead to elevation coastal
exacerbated vulnerability in the medium to long-term. areas

Adaptation that occurs due to conscious intervention or Relocating due to

Planned adaptation
preparation. sea-level rise

Adaptation that is initiated and implemented by

Private adaptation individuals, households or private companies. Private
adaptation is usually in the actor's rational self-interest.

Adaptation that is initiated and implemented by Changes in

Public adaptation governments at all levels. Public adaptation is usually national policies or World Bank
directed at collective needs. laws
Changing cropping
Adaptation that occurs after the effects of climate change patterns due to
Reactive adaptation World Bank
are evident. shortened growing
season
Adaptation measures that focus on information, capacity
Change in land
Soft adaptation building, policy and strategy development, and
zoning laws UNDP
institutional arrangements.
Measures that contribute to both climate change Measures that deal
mitigation and adaptation and wider development with climate
objectives, e.g., business opportunities from energy variability (e.g.,
Win-win adaptation/no-
efficiency measures, sustainable soil and water long-term weather World Bank
regrets adaptation
management, etc. That is, they constitute adaptation forecasting and
measures that would be justifiable even in the absence of early warning
climate change. systems)