One of the contributions of research 'on adaptation' is to track and debate the broader trends, core characteristics and overall assumptions embedded in adaptation knowledge. This reflexive turn about the foundational assumptions is itself one emerging trend in adaptation research . This signals the influence of more social science in adaptation research and increased awareness of the practical value of being transparent and critically reflective about the content, topics, frames and approaches that researchers use . For example, different conceptions of adaptation contribute to different definitions of 'adaptation success', different ideas about what 'effective' adaptation practice looks like and, thus, different conclusions about what is and is not working well . This diversity adds richness and options, but also poses challenges in constructing a conventional evidence base for decision and policymaking. Adaptation researchers are increasingly expected to offer clear and confident advice on adaptation success, yet are also increasingly aware of how context- specific and contested success is .
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report