Climate change adaptation literacy
8 affiliations
- 1Climate Risk Lab, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town
- 2Preserving Legacies
- 3Department of Government, Cornell University
- 4School of Environment and Sustainability, Indian Institute for Human Settlements
- 5Grant Funding Department, City of Cape Town
- 6Risk and Resilience Department, City of Cape Town
- 7Department of Archaeology, Durham University
- 8Climate Change Institute, Australia National University
Abstract
Climate change adaptation demands actionable knowledge to navigate complex, context-specific risks. Existing frameworks for climate literacy that rely on climate science awareness fall short of enabling effective adaptation. This article introduces climate change adaptation literacy as a distinct capability bridging the knowledge-to-action gap. Drawing on conceptual and empirical literature, we propose a five-pillar framework: understanding climate impact pathways, risk perception and interpretation, adaptation competencies, reflexive and learning capacities, and ethical and emotional engagement. We review global literacy patterns, sectoral applications, and barriers to adaptive action. Distinguishing adaptation literacy from climate literacy, we argue for a transformative approach that includes integrating diverse knowledge sources, participatory governance, and justice-oriented strategies. Strengthening adaptation literacy is essential for climate-resilient development and locally led adaptation. We outline research priorities for embedding adaptation literacy across education, policy, and professional practice.
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BibTeX
@article{simpson2026climate,
title = {{Climate change adaptation literacy}},
author = {Nicholas P. Simpson and Salma Sabour and Talbot M. Andrews and Fred Emmanuel Sato and Chandni Singh and Daniel L. Sullivan and Albert Ferreira and Joanne Clarke and Stuart Mark Howden and Christopher H. Trisos},
journal = {npj Climate Action},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1038/s44168-026-00403-0},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-026-00403-0},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Climate change adaptation literacy
AU - Nicholas P. Simpson
AU - Salma Sabour
AU - Talbot M. Andrews
AU - Fred Emmanuel Sato
AU - Chandni Singh
AU - Daniel L. Sullivan
AU - Albert Ferreira
AU - Joanne Clarke
AU - Stuart Mark Howden
AU - Christopher H. Trisos
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/01
JO - npj Climate Action
DO - 10.1038/s44168-026-00403-0
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s44168-026-00403-0
AB - Climate change adaptation demands actionable knowledge to navigate complex, context-specific risks. Existing frameworks for climate literacy that rely on climate science awareness fall short of enabling effective adaptation. This article introduces climate change adaptation literacy as a distinct capability bridging the knowledge-to-action gap. Drawing on conceptual and empirical literature, we propose a five-pillar framework: understanding climate impact pathways, risk perception and interpretation, adaptation competencies, reflexive and learning capacities, and ethical and emotional engagement. We review global literacy patterns, sectoral applications, and barriers to adaptive action. Distinguishing adaptation literacy from climate literacy, we argue for a transformative approach that includes integrating diverse knowledge sources, participatory governance, and justice-oriented strategies. Strengthening adaptation literacy is essential for climate-resilient development and locally led adaptation. We outline research priorities for embedding adaptation literacy across education, policy, and professional practice.
SN - 2731-9814
ER -