Rising to the challenge, together: a review and critical assessment of the state of the US climate adaptation field

This report describes the current state of the climate adaptation field in the U.S., identifies needs and opportunities, and makes specific recommendations to move adaptation and resilience building forward. This report is aimed at those who are helping to build the adaptation field and those who work to prepare for and respond to growing climate risks in a complex and fast-moving world. 

The report uses the "4P" framework to communicate findings by grouping elements of the adaptation field into four interlinked foundational components: Purpose, People, Practice and Pillars.

• The Purpose is the goal a field is focused on or organized around. The field’s purpose is centered on the clear delineation of a common problem, and linked to a vision of a world in which that problem is fully addressed.
• The People are the field actors—the individuals, organizations, and networks who lead the field and carry out its work, and the common identity that unites them.
• The Practice consists of actions taken and the knowledge, tools, and skills used to fulfill the field’s purpose.
• The Pillars are the funding and policy that support the development of a field and enable realization of the field’s purpose.