At higher levels of global warming, adaptation costs increase, options become limited and risks grow. The 'burning embers' diagram in Figure 11.6 has four IPCC risk categories: undetectable, moderate, high and very high, with transition points defined by different global warming ranges. The embers are indicative, based on an assessment of available literature and expert judgement . Outcomes for low and moderate adaptation have been compared, with the latter including both incremental and transformative options. Illustrative examples of adaptation pathways are shown in Figure 11.7 for low-lying coastal areas and Figure 11.8 for heat-related mortality. These figures highlight thresholds at which adaptation options become ineffective and possible combinations of strategies and options implemented at different times to manage emerging risks and changing risk profiles.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report