The Adaptation Pyramid is a workshop method and visual instrument for policymakers to identify a coherent set of adaptation goals, targets, and actions and set the course for adaptation. During the workshop city representatives discuss how to set a balanced ambition for city’s the adaptation strategy.
The pyramid consists of three layers. From bottom to top they are: Transformative adaptation aiming to utilise the natural system and to address the root cause of climate related risks. The middle layer is about incremental adaptation often relying on technical measures. The remaining risk will be addressed through reactive adaptation which is related to emergency preparedness and acting in the event of extremes. A climate robust strategy will have a strong basis, needing to rely less on incremental technological fixes and emergency action.
It can be implemented by cities on their own with some knowledge of climate risks.
The first version of the Adaptation Pyramid concept was developed together with the water authorities of Delfland and Vallei & Veluwe in The Netherlands.
Three cities have piloted the approach and it is being further implemented across three regions in the Netherlands.
The participants that have worked with the approach generally find the approach appealing and engaging. It stimulates discussing the long-term (>50 to 100 years), going beyond ad hoc measures and incremental solutions. The Pyramid approach has been adopted by the national Delta Program as a key concept to further refine and specify local adaptation goals and targets (Deltaprogramma, 2024).
The workshop lasts half a day, with some preparation beforehand and follow-up work afterward.
The tool is specifically useful for the Ambition phase as it allows to identify objectives and goals for cities/regions based on risk priorization and solution identification.
Click here for guidance and material downloads.
Eva Boon & Hasse Goosen
info@climateadaptationservices.com
Kelder, T., Heinrich, D., Klok, L. et al. How to stop being surprised by unprecedented weather. Nat Commun 16, 2382 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-57450-0
The climate resilient development pathways and the pyramid can be used in a complementary way.
During an extreme rainfall event, Jan watches in fear as water rises dangerously close to flooding his apartment. His experience highlights the urgent need for climate adaptation in Gdynia, inspiring the community to take action and build a more resilient future together.
