Adaptive capability is generally defined as the ability of a system, whether an individual capacity applies to various changes or disturbances (e.g. environmental changes, environmental threats, economic shocks, other adverse conditions), to adapt to them or their negative impacts.

In other words, adaptive capacity is the ability to manage change and maintain its functioning so that the system not only minimizes damage, but also manages to use the situation to its advantage. This term is often used mainly in the context of climate change, environmental risks and disasters.

Adaptive capacity is influenced by factors such as:

• Availability of financial and human resources (knowledge, skills, experience, people skills)
• Level of technology and infrastructure supporting adaptation
• Effective information systems and knowledge dissemination mechanisms
• Quality institutions, organizations and governance
• Social capital (strong social networks, trust, solidarity)
• Political will, supporting policies and legal frameworks

A developed adaptive capacity of a community or region is to ensure better management of problems, recovery from unexpected events and its sustainable further development. Conversely, low adaptive capacity makes people or ecosystems more vulnerable to risks and have difficulty coping with various changes.