The role of governance in limits to adaptation

Abstract

There is a concern that limits to adaptation may be reached, meaning that adaptation to climate change is no longer possible. Limits in ecological systems indicate a collapse of that system, while in social systems, this may mean reorienting livelihoods or retreating from locations under threat. The role of governance with regard to limits has been largely unexplored so far. In this commentary, we examine limits from the perspective of governance, pointing out the ways in which governance can lead to limits emerging for actors in society. We further consider to what extent the governance system itself may have limits, which can have severe consequences to society.