The University of Arizona banner

Adaptation Resources

The following is a selective list of resources for adaptation planning, background on adaptation science, and efforts to implement adaptation actions.

America's Climate Choices: Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change

This report, from a panel of experts convened by the National Academy of Sciences, discusses the issue of adaptation to climate change, and gives recommendations regarding a strategy for adaptation in the United States. The report says that adapting to climate change will be an ongoing, iterative process, involving decision-makers from multiple scales of government, across all parts of society. The report recommends vulnerability assessment, improving scientific knowledge needed to build a strong basis for action, and research to develop new adaptation options.

California Climate Adaptation Strategy

The first iteration of a multi-sector strategy for adapting to climate change impacts. The report focuses on sectors that include: Public Health; Biodiversity and Habitat; Ocean and Coastal Resources; Water Management; Agriculture; Forestry; and Transportation and Energy Infrastructure. The web page includes a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document.

ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability

The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) is an international association of local governments as well as national and regional local government organizations who have made a commitment to sustainable development. Through their Sustainable Cities program, ICLEI works with local governments to build resiliency to climate impacts, by helping local governments build the capacity to develop plans and strategies for mitigation and adaptation.

Know Climate Change's Resource Library for Adaptation and Mitigation

The Know Climate Change website offers a resource library with a useful section on the basics of Adaptation and Mitigation. Several key journal articles are referenced throughout this section.

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange

Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange (CAKE) is a joint project of Island Press and EcoAdapt. It is aimed at building a shared knowledge base for managing natural systems in the face of rapid climate change. CAKE brings together EcoAdapt’s recognized leadership in developing the concepts and practices of climate adaptation with Island Press’s 27 years as the leading publisher of solutions-based environmental information to offer the most valuable, up-to-date, and authoritative materials on the subject.  Just as importantly, it is intended to help build an innovative community of practice.

Pages