Are Climate Change Adaptation Strategies Working? A Call to Expedite Learning

Lara J. Hansen, Deborah A. Rudnick, Kathryn N. Braddock, Arden Drake, Scott Covington, Helen E. Fox, Kimberly R. Hall, James B. Hansen, Carolyn J. Lundquist, Eric E. Mielbrecht, Jordan M. West

Posted on: 5/12/2025 - Updated on: 5/12/2025

Posted by

CAKE Team

Published

2025-05

Abstract

Evidence is lacking for what constitutes effective climate change adaptation to successfully conserve and steward ecosystems. Yet we urgently need this information to develop robust adaptation strategies to keep pace with unprecedented change, given our limited resources to do so. This includes not just understanding if a given strategy is effective in a single application, but perhaps more importantly if a given strategy has proven effective across sites where it has been applied, or has benefits only under certain sets of conditions. This learning across the field of adaptation is currently missing and is what is necessary for bringing adaptation to scale. We propose an approach that can guide adaptation efficacy testing under varying levels of baseline knowledge and ecosystem complexity.

The approach includes clearly defining conservation goals and climate vulnerabilities, methodically collecting site and climate metrics to inform analysis of efficacy, and evaluating and communicating both positive and negative results in order to advance the adaptation field. Using this approach with meta-analyses and post-hoc testing can quickly scale efficacy testing in a meaningful way. Furthermore, explicitly incorporating efficacy testing into adaptation processes can support the growth of the adaptation field and spark creative, adaptive management approaches that will increase the likelihood of reducing climate change vulnerability.

Citation

Hansen, L. J., Rudnick,D. A., Braddock, K. N., Drake, A., Covington, S.,Fox, H. E., Hall, K. R., Hansen, J. B., Lundquist,C. J., Mielbrecht, E. E., & West, J. M. (2025). Are climate change adaptation strategies working? A call to expedite learning. Conservation Science and Practice, e70060. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.70060.

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Affiliated Organizations

Coral Reef Alliance, The Nature Conservancy-Michigan

Affiliated Organizations

EcoAdapt

EcoAdapt is at the center of climate change adaptation innovation. We provide support, training, and assistance to make conservation and management less vulnerable and more Climate Savvy. Over the past 200 years, great strides have been made in the world of conservation and now all of that is at risk because of climate change. EcoAdapt is working to ensure the success of these past efforts by delivering a framework for climate adaptation.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the premier government agency dedicated to the conservation, protection, and enhancement of fish, wildlife and plants, and their habitats. It is the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is management of these important natural resources for the American public. The Service also helps ensure a healthy environment for people through its work benefiting wildlife, and by providing opportunities for Americans to enjoy the outdoors and our shared natural heritage.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains native fish, wildlife, plant species and natural communities for their intrinsic and ecological value and for their use and enjoyment by th public. This includes habitat protection and maintenance in a sufficient amount and quality to ensure the survival of all species and natural communities. The department is also responsible for the diversified use of fish and wildlife including recreational, commercial, scientific and educational uses.

National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research

NIWA, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, is a Crown Research Institute established in 1992. It operates as a stand-alone company with its own Board of Directors and Executive. NIWA's mission is to conduct leading environmental science to enable the sustainable management of natural resources for New Zealand and the planet.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The Environmental Protection Agency is an independent executive agency of the United States federal government tasked with environmental protection matters. The Environmental Protection Agency has ten Regional offices, each of which is responsible for the execution of the Agency's programs within several states and territories.

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