Mapping evidence of human adaptation to climate change
Authors: Berrang-Ford Lea , Siders A.R. , Lesnikowski Alexandra , Fischer Alexandra Paige , Callaghan Max , Haddaway Neal , Mach Katharine , Araos Malcolm , Shah Mohammad Aminur Rahman , Wannewitz Mia , Doshi Deepal , Leiter Timo , Matavel Custodio , Musah-Surugu Justice Issah , Wong-Parodi Gabrielle , Antwi-Agyei Philip , Ajibade Idowu , Chauhan Neha , Kakenmaster William , Grady Caitlin , Chalastani Vasiliki I. , Jagannathan Kripa , Galappaththi Eranga , Sitati Asha , Scarpa Giulia , Totin Edmond , Davis Katy , Hamilton Nikita Charles , Kirchhoff Christine , Kumar Praveen , Pentz Brian , Simpson Nicholas , Theokritoff Emily , Deryng Delphine , Reckien Diana , Zavaleta-Cortijo Carol , Ulibarri Nicola , Segnon Alcade , Khavhagali Vhalinavho , Shang Yuanyuan , Zvobgo Luckson , Zommers Zinta , Xu Jiren , Williams Portia Adade , Canosa Ivan Villaverde , Maanen Nicole van , Bavel Bianca van , Aalst Maarten van , Turek-Hankins Lynée L. , Trivedi Hasti , Trisos Christopher , Thomas Adelle , Thakur Shinny , Templeman Sienna , Stringer Lindsay C. , Sotnik Garry , Sjostrom Kathryn Dana , Singh Chandni , Siña Mariella Z , Shukla Roopam , Sardans Jordi , Salubi Eunice A , Chalkasra Lolita Shaila Safaee , Ruiz-Díaz Raquel , Richards Carys , Pokharel Pratik , Petzold Jan , Penuelas Josep , Avila Julia Pelaez , Murillo Julia B. Pazmino , Ouni Souha , Niemann Jennifer , Nielsen Miriam , New Mark , Schwerdtle Patricia Nayna , Alverio Gabriela Nagle , Mullin Cristina A. , Mullenite Joshua , Mosurska Anuszka , Morecroft Mike , Minx Jan , Maskell Gina , Nunbogu Abraham Marshall , Magnan Alexandre , Lwasa Shuaib , Lukas-Sithole Megan , Lissner Tabea , Lilford Oliver , Koller Steven , Jurjonas Matthew , Joe Elphin Tom , Huynh Lam T.M , Hill Avery , Hernandez Rebecca , Hedge Greeshma , Hawxwell Tom , Harper Sherilee , Harden Alexandra , Haasnoot Marjolijn , Gilmore Elisabeth , Gichuki Leah , Gatt Alyssa , Garschagen Matthias , Ford James , Forbes Andrew , Farrell Aidan , Enquist Carolyn , Elliott Susan , Duncan Emily , de Perez Erin Coughlan , Coggins Shaugn , Chen Tara , Campbell Donovan , Browne Katherine E. , Bowen Kathryn , Biesbroek Robbert , Bhatt Indra , Kerr Rachel Bezner , Barr Stephanie L , Baker Emily , Austin Stephanie E. , Arotoma-Rojas Ingrid , Anderson Christa , Ajaz Warda , Agrawal Tanvi , Abu Thelma Zulfawu 
Published: January 2021

We present the first systematic, global stocktake of the academic literature on human adaptation. We screen 48,316 documents and identify 1,682 articles that present empirical research documenting human efforts to reduce risk from climate change and associated hazards. Coding and synthesizing this literature highlights that the overall extent of adaptation across global regions and sectors is low. Adaptations are largely local and incremental rather than transformative. Behavioural adjustments by individuals and households are more prevalent than any other type of response, largely motivated by drought and precipitation variability. Local governments and civil society are engaging in risk reduction across all sectors and regions, particularly in response to flooding. Urban technological and infrastructural adaptations to flood risk are prevalent in Europe, while shifts in farming practices dominate reporting from Africa and Asia. Despite increasing evidence of adaptation responses, evidence that these responses are reducing risks (observed and projected) remains limited.