Climate adaptation as evolvability

Standard approaches to climate adaptation, commonly understood as the protection of infrastructure, social systems, and ecosystems from adverse climate impacts, are too closely tied to the biological concept of adaptation and the ecological notion of stability. Instead, we argue that climate adaptation is better articulated by analogy to the concept of evolvability. Adaptation thus understood emphasizes the need for internal capacities of restoration and self-maintenance, preserves flexibility and options for the future, addresses the social, political, and psychological impacts of climate change, and promotes transboundary strategies.