Two concepts-adaptation gaps and limits to adaptation-help frame this report's assessment of the extent to which current adaptation efforts are adequate to meet societal goals. Adaptation gaps are defined as 'the difference between actually implemented adaptation and a societally set goal, determined largely by preferences related to tolerated climate change impacts and reflecting resource limitations and competing priorities' . Limits to adaptation describe the extent to which no plausible level of adaptation can meet societal goals . Within the limits, adaptation gaps can be closed by increased and more successful adaptation actions. Beyond the limits, only mitigation can close adaptation gaps.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report