This module addresses how we ‘do’ adaptation once we have assessed and identified the hazards and risks to which we need to adapt. It looks at how adaptation actions are selected, designed and implemented and what governance structures and mechanisms are required for effective, transparent and sustained adaptation.

The module consists of the following two sessions, each of which includes short interactive exercises. It also includes a detailed exercise based on the prioritisation of adaptation actions.

I. Selection, design & implementation of adaptation actions

• Who should be involved in selecting options?
• Multi-criteria analysis for assessing & selecting adaptation options
• Agreeing on goals – what does success look like?
• Who benefits – and who doesn’t
• Safeguards and avoiding maladaptatation
• Sustainability of adaptation actions
• Who is involved in implementation?
• Mechanisms for review and flexibility
• Tracking progress (MEL preview)

II. Governance for adaptation & resilience

• Governance scales – global, national, regional, local
• Legislation, policy & mandates
• Horizontal & vertical integration
• Coordination mechanisms
• Devolved finance & decision-making – Kenya’s example
• Entry points for adaptation & resilience at the local level
• Supporting grassroots adaptation & resilience

Exercise

Participants develop criteria for prioritising adaptation actions identified in the previous climate risk assessment exercise, consider who might be involved in selecting adaptation actions, speculate as to which actions are most likely to be selected, and consider what governance mechanisms might support the adaptation process.    

This is the fourth of five modules in our Adapting to Climate Change Course.