Adaptation task

Experiment and observe (e.g. adaptive management)
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Experiment and observe (e.g. adaptive management)

Another method for decision-making under uncertainty is adaptive management. Adaptive management allows for the updating of actions on the basis of new information as it becomes available. In this sense, adaptive management is an ex-post evaluation of options based on the preferences of the decision maker (e.g. private or public). Adaptive management requires the availability of new information on the effectiveness of an adaptation action, and therefore is closely related to monitoring and evaluating, and learning (Armitage et al., 2008).

In the case of some options this is straightforward. For example, in the case of an insurer deciding on the premium for insurance against flood damage in the coastal zone, new information on damages is directly observable. This new information can be used to adjust premiums. For other decisions on other options, such as the height by which to raise the dike, updates at a later stage are much more expensive.
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Another method for decision-making under uncertainty is adaptive management. Adaptive management allows for the updating of actions on the basis of new information as it becomes available. In this sense, adaptive management is an ex-post evaluation of options based on the preferences of the decision maker (e.g. private or public). Adaptive management requires the availability of new information on the effectiveness of an adaptation action, and therefore is closely related to monitoring and evaluating, and learning (Armitage et al., 2008). In the case of some options this is straightforward. For example, in the case of an insurer deciding on the premium for insurance against flood damage in the coastal zone, new information on damages is directly observable. This new information can be used to adjust premiums. For other decisions on other options, such as the height by which to raise the dike, updates at a later stage are much more expensive.

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Adaptive management
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This section is based on the UNEP PROVIA guidance document

Criteria checklist

1. You want to appraise adaptation options.
2. The focus is either on collective actions and there are no conflicting interests of private actors, or the focus is on individual collective actions.
3. Decisions can be formalised.
4. Either the set of options includes only short term ones or residual impacts can not be projected.
5. There are risks are due to current climate variability.
6. The relative costs of outcomes are not high.