These changes will impact ecological, social, and economic systems and include both acute shocks like extreme weather, and slow onset events, like a shift in crop growing seasons, among others.

In response to climate change, national and subnational governments, communities and institutions are adapting or making changes to policies, practices and institutional structures to moderate or mitigate potential damages. There are also potential benefits and opportunities to explore or cultivate.

In simple terms, countries are adapting solutions and implementing plans of action to respond to the impacts of climate changes that are already happening, and preparing for future impacts.