Human dimensions of climate change adaptation: Gaps and knowledge frontiers

Abstract

Adaptation science has grown exponentially in the past two decades and has progressed conceptually. However, these advances remain siloed from adaptation practice. In this commentary, I make three arguments: (1) adaptation theory has grown but is often unfit-for-practical-purpose; (2) disciplines and methodologies to study adaptation remain conservative, and poorly understand adaptation limits and residual risks; and (3) behaviour change as a critical lever of individual and societal adaptation remains understudied. By charting the landscape of knowledge gaps, I suggest frontiers for adaptation researchers to focus on.