Climate adaptation gap arises when adaptation efforts fail to meet adaptation needs. This is a significant challenge in combating the impacts of climate change because, despite Despite increasing awareness and action, there is still a gap between what needs to be done to adapt to changing climate conditions and what is actually being done. Understanding and closing this gap is key to effectively addressing climate impacts.

According to one of the key arguments in the provided source, addressing the adaptation gap should start with "compliance" within the framework of adaptation policyThis concept of consistency is considered fundamental to understanding and reducing the gap. What exactly does this consistency mean? It concerns aligning climate risks with policy objectives, measures and monitoring and evaluation processesIn other words, adaptation plans and policies should clearly identify relevant climate risks and then set objectives, propose specific measures and establish mechanisms to monitor and evaluate their effectiveness so that all these elements are logically and effectively linked.

Comprehensive European study demonstrates that Assessing compliance in adaptation plans can significantly improve our understanding of the adaptation gap and help reduce it. This approach emphasizes that not only the mere existence of adaptation plans, but also their internal consistency and the logical connection between risks and responses are crucial.

Although the main focus of the provided resource to explain the adaptation gap lies in the lack of planning coherence, the text also refers to other literature that identifies other important factors contributing to this gapThese factors include, for example:

• Financial constraints.
• Short-term planning, which may not fully take into account long-term climate change.
• Insufficient funding adaptation measures.
• Lack of preparedness to the consequences of climate change.
• Inadequate investment and planning generally in the field of climate adaptation.
• The gap between theory and practice in climate adaptation, where scientific knowledge and political intentions may not fully translate into real measures on the ground.

In conclusion, while the lack of alignment between climate risks and adaptation policies (targets, measures, monitoring and evaluation) is a key factor contributing to the climate adaptation gap, which is highlighted in the presented resource as important for its understanding and reduction, the broader scientific literature cited in the text also points to other significant obstacles, in particular economic and practical challenges in implementing adaptation. Addressing the adaptation gap therefore requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving planning (ensuring alignment) while also overcoming financial and practical barriers. Spring

The report was published on nature.com

Glossary of key terms

• Adaptation gap: A situation where adaptation efforts to mitigate or adapt to climate change fail to meet actual adaptation needs.
• Adaptation efforts: Specific steps, policies and measures taken to adapt to the consequences of climate change.
• Adaptation needs: Requirements or necessary steps to cope with the current and future impacts of climate change.
• Consistency (in adaptation policy): Consistency between identified climate risks, policy objectives, implemented measures and monitoring and evaluation systems within the adaptation plan.
• Adaptive planning: The process of developing strategies and plans to adapt to current and expected impacts of climate change.
• Climate risks: The potentially harmful impacts of climate change that may affect natural systems, human societies and the economy.
• Policy objectives: Specific and measurable goals set by adaptation policy to address climate risks.
• Measures (adaptation measures): Specific actions or interventions designed to reduce vulnerability to climate risks and increase resilience.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Systems and processes used to track progress in implementing adaptation plans and to assess their effectiveness in achieving set objectives.
• Empirical demonstration: Using real-world evidence or data from studies to demonstrate the validity of a claim or theory.