Such dramatic changes in ecosystem and species distribution will have serious socio-economic consequences. The increased incidence in floods and drought, possibly triggered by climate change, could lead to threats to food and water security. Communities that are impoverished or heavily resource dependent are likely to be the most vulnerable to changes in climate. The goals of conservation and sustainable use can no longer be taken into account without addressing climate change, and therefore addressing the problem is central to the Union's efforts to ensure a just world that values and conserves nature. Although climate variability and change pose risks to ecosystems and species, and social and economic systems, they also provide opportunities.
Adaptation is an important approach for protecting ecological, social and economic systems.
Actions that adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change enhance the resilience of vulnerable systems, and reduce the risk of damage to human and natural systems from climate change and variability. Hurricane Mitch in 1998 devastated human settlement, crippled national and local economies, and displaced tens of thousands of people. The floods in Bangladesh and China had a similar effect. More often than not, the areas most affected were areas where the environment was the most degraded, and the people who were the most vulnerable were those most resource-dependent, including women and children. At the same time, protected areas and other areas with effective management regimes in place demonstrated an ability to buffer at least some of the adverse effects.