Although there is uncertainty about the rate and magnitude of projected temperature increases and future climate-related impacts, adaptive actions can provide benefits. Climate change adaptation actions often fulfill other societal goals, such as sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and improvements in quality of life. Therefore, adaptation strategies can provide multiple benefits when incorporated into existing decision-making processes.

Tribal Nations in every region of the United States have begun building adaptive capacity and resilience to climate change impacts. Proactively preparing for climate change can reduce impacts, vulnerabilities, and costs over time, while also facilitating a more rapid and efficient response to changes. Adaptation (to address and prepare for impacts) and mitigation (to reduce future climate change) are both becoming more widespread, but current implementation efforts are insufficient to avoid increasingly negative social, environmental, and economic consequences.