Poor people will naturally adapt to climate change. However in the best case scenario their actions alone may be insufficient and in the worst case they may increase their long-run vulnerability. A government role in supporting pro-poor adaptation is essential if climate change is not to undermine development, This will need to provide both an appropriate enabling environment for effective adaptation and provision of adaptation services, recognising that markets and the private sector can provide an important driver for adaptation, and poverty-focused measures are also likely to be required to address the specific needs of poor people. While these measures provide benefits they also have a cost. Even with additional international support, governments will still have binding budget constraints and will need to prioritise between different adaptation options.
Vernon, T
The Economic Case for Pro-Poor Adaptation: What do we Know?
Ids Bulletin-Institute Of Development Studies