To distinguish incremental from transformational adaptation, Lonsdale et al. , building on Mustelin and Handmer , identify criteria related to framing, learning and decision-making, space and time, power, and type of change management. Tàbara et al. , additionally discuss transformation in light of informing climate pathways, strategies and solutions. Broadly considering these criteria, they identify 12 dimensions with additional discussion of change with regard to systems and dynamics, options and solutions, agency, and the consideration of equity . In particular, the following key aspects for understanding the spectrum from incremental to transformational adaptation are of relevance: change, within or across the system; agency, single or heterogenous; a role for visioning and normative futures; the type of learning required ; and how equity and distributional issues are explicit.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report