The purpose of the article is to answer the question of how the challenges and problems of climate change translate into the realm of institutional solutions and strategic management at the local level. Design/methodology/approach: The article uses the method of analysis and criticism of the literature, making an analytical-synthetic account of the state of knowledge to date on the topic presented. In terms of processing the collected data, inductive and deductive, descriptive and monographic reasoning methods were used. Findings: Long-term strategies and investments in climate change adaptation as part of strategic management at the local level are essential to protect residents and urban infrastructure from the negative consequences of extreme weather. Practical implications: The presented study can help local government units make effective decisions related to environmental management at the local level. Social implications: The analysis presented can help in the process of identifying the benefits of strategic management with climate change adaptation issues. Originality/value: The presented study represents a new approach to interpreting the assumptions of environmental management systems in the context of supporting climate change adaptation activities from the perspective of strategic management in organizations and local government units.