When adaptation barriers and enablers intersect: Key considerations for adaptation planning drawn from ASSAR’s findings

Recognising the factors that can influence the progress of adaptation actions is key if adaptation to climate change is to move beyond identifying impacts and potential responses. ASSAR has been examining the conditioning factors surrounding adaptation action in four of the world’s semi-arid regions, with a specific focus on barriers and enablers to the uptake and success of adaptation. In particular, our integrated work streams have highlighted not just the existence of barriers and enablers, but their interacting effect. None of them operate in isolation, and it is their interaction that shapes the overall constraining or enabling conditions for adaptation action. This work is summarised in this new information brief.