Society has to prepare for and adapt to the consequences of some inevitable climate change effects. Even if society substantially reduces its emissions of greenhouse gases (mitigation) over the coming decades, the climate system is forecast to continue to change for centuries to come. Adaptation is necessary when creating successful policy measures to combat the effects of climate change.

Adaptation is a process where societies accept the existence of climate change and its effects on:

-	global warming;
-	rising sea levels;
-	extreme weather events;
-	increase of tropical diseases.

Adaptation solutions try to stabilize and manage these effects and should be viewed in a positive way. In some instances, adaptation strategies can provide benefits to society as a whole.

Society is slowly adapting, but governments, businesses and consumers need to invest in a more comprehensive and extensive programme in order to make a real difference to climate change.