India and other developing countries – many in the tropics – often bear the brunt of the impacts of climate change, ranging from scorching heatwaves to intense bouts of sudden rainfall. As the impacts become more frequent and intense, it is important that people are given the knowledge, means and money to adapt to these changes. That’s what climate change adaptation measures deal with. 

The UNEP defines adaptation as “the process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects.”

Adaptation measures vary widely and are often context-specific. Setting up early warning systems to predict extreme weather events such as cyclones so that people can prepare for the storm is one example. Another is switching to drought-resistant crops, or investing in proper rain-water harvesting systems to tackle water shortages and groundwater depletion that are already occurring in many parts of India.