There is no "one-size fits all” adaptation, but there are similarities in approaches across regions and sectors. Sharing best practices, learning by doing, and iterative and collaborative processes including stakeholder involvement, can help support progress.

This finding is from chapter 28 of Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment.

Process for developing key messages: A central component of the process were bi-weekly technical discussions held from October 2011 to June 2012 via teleconference that focused on collaborative review and summary of all technical inputs relevant to adaptation (130+) as well as additional published literature, the iterative development of key messages, and the final drafting of the chapter. An in-person meeting was held in Washington, D.C., in June 2012. Meeting discussions were followed by expert deliberation of draft key messages by the authors and targeted consultation with additional experts by the lead author of each key message. Consensus was reached on all key messages and supporting text.

Description of evidence base: The key message and supporting text summarize extensive evidence documented in the peer-reviewed literature as well as the more than 130 technical inputs received and reviewed as part of the Federal Register Notice solicitation for public input. Literature submitted for this assessment, as well as additional literature reviewed by the author team, fully supports the concept that adaptations will ultimately need to be selected for their local applicability based on impacts, timing, political structure, finances, and other criteria.65ce3b87-d63b-4582-a9b5-f25510b64e97 c9647af9-db7f-4f6a-89bd-2f2293ad26e5 Similarities do exist in the types of adaptation being implemented, although nuanced differences do make most adaptation uniquely appropriate for the specific implementer. The selection of locally and context-appropriate adaptations is enhanced by iterative and collaborative processes in which stakeholders directly engage with decision-makers and information providers.65ce3b87-d63b-4582-a9b5-f25510b64e97 a230ab8f-a284-491a-91cd-45d7b8b32bdf cb48f4f5-6a7f-4073-b3aa-43ab8a5455c9 While there are no “one-size fits all” adaptation strategies, evidence to date supports the message that the sharing of best practices and lessons learned are greatly aiding in adaptation progress across sectors, systems, and governance systems.6e2fb7ae-1d84-42c3-b9eb-a215a8c1be86 bf863615-b9f1-46fd-b424-cd0ed203dc37 Additional citations are used in the text of the chapter to substantiate this key message.

New information and remaining uncertainties: n/a

Assessment of confidence based on evidence: n/a

References :

• Informing an Effective Response to Climate Change. America’s Climate Choices: Panel on Informing Effective Decisions and Actions Related to Climate Change (a230ab8f)
• Adapting to Impacts of Climate Change. America’s Climate Choices: Report of the Panel on Adapting to the Impacts of Climate Change (65ce3b87)
• Coastal Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerabilities: A Technical Input to the 2013 National Climate Assessment (c9647af9)
• Engaging Climate-Sensitive Sectors in the Carolinas. Technical Report: CISA-2012-03: Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessments (6e2fb7ae)
• National Park Service Climate Change Response Strategy (cb48f4f5)
• Climate adaptation planning in practice: an evaluation of adaptation plans from three developed nations (bf863615)